We often, if not always are expectant of immediate results. We not just as a species but as a collective church demand a quick yielding of benefit and or breakthrough, it is who we have become, and we couldn’t be more arrogant or more wrong. The concept of harvesting is one we are all familiar with, it is something Christ constantly referred to and it is something that encamps all aspects of life.
A key to any form of progress or breakthrough for a harvest is to dispatch with the desire to see immediate results and wait with expectant hearts a long wait.
The Harvest
A harvest is a process that can only begin in the right time, attempting to start the process early can result in a spoilt crop or one that will yield pitiful results. It is becoming more and more apparent that in every season of our lives is a time to sow and a time to reap all the crop from each season of our lives.
Every opportunity, every action both done for self-benefit or for the glory of God will contribute to the success or failure of a harvest, and it is imperative that as individuals we realise the significant responsibility we have and just how substantially we contribute to the things sown and things reaped.
All Encamping
Every season in life presents a chance to sow into multiple aspects, whether it be spiritual, emotional, physical. Each of these aspects does not only apply to us but to those we come into contact with.
We might be willing to settle for a less then bountiful crop in our own life, but when it comes to impact the success or failure of someone else is when it becomes an issue. Our main prerogative in interacting with others is to sow into their lives, this is something that we can’t do unless we actively sow good seed into our own lives, how can we sow and share what we do not possess? Every season is a chance, every season encamps every aspect of life, spiritual and non.
The long wait
Like all things, a good harvest cannot be rushed, it takes time, patience and great attention. Seeing the success of a seed sown can take a lifetime, even in the best conditions. I have learnt the hard way the attempting to speed up the time to reap can have disastrous consequences, both for myself and those around me.
It is a process, one that impacts not just one but everyone as a whole. We cannot expect to succeed, if we aren’t expecting to put in the time. In some cases, the long wait is made longer due to trying to rush something or even neglecting one’s own walk, and as such the process has to begin again.
I have learnt and continue to learn time and time again, that it isn’t a matter of now, but one of not yet, there’s still growth to take place and attention to be paid.
A good harvest is one that is collective, one that brings out the best of best. This can only. Be achieved in unity with one another and with sowing the right seed at the right time.
With that in mind it is something that could take decades or multiple generations, even if it is done right.
A lesson we need to learn, is that there is absolutely no point in expecting immediate results, it causes damage, it breaks what should never have broken, we all need to sit down relax and be ready for that long yet rewarding wait.
Ashley Menelaws lives in Kingaroy, Australia. He is currently, studying teaching at Christian Heritage College and newly married. During his free time Ashley can be found, reading an old book or collecting new ones.
Ashley Menelaw’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/ashley-menelaws.html