I received an email this week and was surprised to see the name of the sender. We had not had contact for probably eight years, when for several months we were meeting most every week. Another friend and I were seeking to help him overcome his doubts and return to life as a disciple of Jesus. While he seemed to appreciate the time we spent, our visits ended without him making any changes.
Now all these years later, I was reading that he had recommitted himself to Jesus and was devoted to the fellowship of the church. He not only was writing to tell me this news but to say how much impact our times together had on him and how much he had appreciated all my efforts to help him.
I was reminded of the story of the farmer whose crops failed and a conversation he had with an unbelieving neighbor: “So where is your God now?” the skeptic asked. “Ah, my friend, the farmer replied. God doesn’t settle all his accounts in October.”
Sometimes it appears that our efforts are not bearing fruit, but we never know just how God is working and when seeds that have been sown will have an impact. It turns out that this last year Ron was stunned with the discovery that he had cancer and that served to clarify his vision. Then many things started to change. Faith and courage began to grow in adversity.
If you are struggling or doubting and wondering if your efforts to give to others are really making a difference, just remember that God doesn’t settle all his accounts in October.
This was very encouraging as we so often don't see the results of our efforts and can forget our job is to plant the seeds.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us that it is GOD that is at work in the lives of people and He often moves and we are not aware of it. I studied with a friend 5 years ago which ended with no change. Last year, his wife invited herself to church and after almost a year of attending church and a few months of study, they were baptized. God is always at work in people's hearts. We sow the seeds and God produces the fruit!
ReplyDeleteI agree, 1 corinthians 3:6-7- So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
ReplyDeleteWe often forget that it is God's kingdom and not ours and place unrealistic timelines and burdens on ourselves and others to produce evangelistic fruit. We are only called to plant and water and remain in the vine. The fruit will be a natural result of our obedience to the scriptures.
In Him,
Nikesh (Disciple in San Francisco))
Thank you for this refreshing reminder that our efforts are not in vain. It reminded me of Galatians 6:9 'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' I often struggle when it appears that my effort is not having an effect. It has encouraged me not to give up on friends who have left the faith as God will restore them in his time
ReplyDeleteThis is a very encouraging thought. Oftentimes we thought that our efforts are in vain especially when the things we hope for do not happen right away. This applies as well as we persevere in helping someone who is struggling in their faith, have a character weakness or even helping a spouse or children to grow in a specific character in their life. Thank God that we have Jesus as an example who persevered on each one of us.
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