Examining Scripture:
“For I say, through the grace
given unto me,
to every man
that is among you,
not to think of himself
more highly than
he ought to think;
but to think soberly,
according as God
hath dealt to every man
the measure of faith.
For as we have
many members in one body,
and all members
have not the same office:
So we, being many,
are one body in Christ,
and every one
members one of another.”
Romans 12:3-5
Evaluating Soil:
Have you ever wondered why we, as women, tend to feel that we have to be some sort of superwoman who has to save the world and make everything and everyone around us thrive and produce? Our culture seems to teach us that we have to be productive every…single…day to maintain our value.
Sadly, as a result, we’re overwhelmed, overworked, and over-obligated by burdens we weren’t supposed to bear. The problem may be that we’re assuming too much responsibility, or credit, for our fruitfulness.
Experiencing Seasons:
There have been times when I have felt quite fruitful in my efforts. That’s usually when I start thinking a little more of myself and forget that God is the one providing the opportunities, abilities, and resources.
I can get pretty impressed with myself some days. I start thinking I’m really great at accomplishing certain tasks, and become too self-sufficient to ask for input or help. Truth is, others may be far superior at it than me.
Usually, when I get overloaded with tasks, I realize I can’t do it alone and regret thinking I could handle it myself. It makes no sense to decline help due to pride.
Embracing Solace:
We have to do the work, plant the seeds, and nurture our gardens, but God makes our gardens flourish and produce.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing,
neither he that watereth;
but God that giveth the increase.”
1 Corinthians 3:7
We can relieve our pressure when we remember:
God is in charge of increasing our harvest.
Isn’t it a comfort to know that God is involved in our fruitfulness?
Enjoying Simplicity:
It’s crazy how we complicate our lives. We don’t have to go everywhere, do everything, and serve everyone to make life happen. God designed life to be simpler than that. We aren’t supposed to do life alone.
Employing Solutions:
We’re not the only gardener in the garden. We’re in this together. It’s not our job to bear the full responsibility of the harvest. God intended for us to:
- Work with our own hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
- Bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2-5)
- Be fruitful in every good work (Colossians 1:10)
- Remember that by Him all things consist (Colossians 1:17)
We do have to focus on our crops, but not at the neglect of others. We’re instructed to help one another. When our spiritual and physical lives are in order, we can be of value to others fruitfulness too.
Our thinking must be right too. We shouldn’t think so highly of ourselves that we think others can’t do without us, nor should we think so low of others that we think we don’t need them.
God is our provider and sustainer. What we accomplish and harvest this year will be because He increased our fruitfulness. We should recognize, and be thankful, for the help and helpers He sends our way. We can’t gather our harvest alone.
Bring It Home
How have you seen God increase your spiritual harvest?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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