In Due Season We Will Reap

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,

if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

As any gardener knows, we don’t sow and reap in the same day. If we expect to reap a harvest, we must begin by planting seeds. Then we must water. Then we must protect our little seedlings from weeds and pests. Meanwhile, we rely on the miraculous work of the soil and the sun to nourish our crops and bring about growth. Faithful labor is required, but ultimately it is the Lord of the Harvest who produces the fruit we long to see.

As any parent knows, the principles of the garden apply to the development of children; physically, mentally, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. The goals of child rearing are long-term goals that can’t possibly be realized overnight. They require labor that is wearying at times. They require perseverance and faith. Yet as we sow faithfully for years and even decades, the Lord uses our labors to produce the fruit he intends. The harvest comes in due season, but it is promised only to those who refuse to give up.

Last week I had the blessing of bringing a group of 11 from America, plus four Covenant Mercies program leaders from Uganda and Ethiopia, to Lighthouse Christian School’s 20th Anniversary celebration in Ndola, Zambia. For three hours, we were moved to tears repeatedly by song, dance, recitations of Scripture and original poetry, and more. The cumulative effect was a recognition of God’s faithfulness to transform our children into joyful, grateful, confident young people who are well on their way to becoming everything he has created them to be.

Over the course of two decades, there are plenty of opportunities to grow weary and give up. The competence displayed by our sponsored students is a credit to the perseverance of all their teachers and program leaders, who continually serve them with excellence. It is a credit to those who have generously invested their finances to make it all happen. But more than anything, it is a credit to the faithfulness of God.

One plants, another waters, but ultimately it is God who gives the increase. As we continue seeing the rewarding results of our labors, we remember that it is the Lord of the Harvest who produces the fruit. Great is his faithfulness.