Fields being harvested remind me of both abundance and dependence. The drying grain is collected by a combine, which separates it from the chaff. The grain pours into a truck bed or a trailer. Grain becomes food for others. None of this just happens.
I grew up surrounded by farmland. When spring arrives, fields are prepared by plowing or at least disking. A plow digs into the earth, tossing it over. A disk slices into the ground. Weeds die. Then seeds are planted.
Regional weather determines when seeds are put in the ground. A farmer knows when to plant, when to expect the first sprouts, and when the crop will reach maturity. If the seed is planted too late or early in the season it will not be harvested.
Ground must be prepared and seed sown, but there is complete dependence on factors outside oneself.
“20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
We know that the seeds of God’s word must be planted and prayed. God will bring the harvest in our lives. We may be asking for survival through the current pandemic, or just making it through the day. Our God is able to do abundantly beyond all that we could ask or imagine.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus said, “Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.’” (Matthew 13:8-9 ESV)
Harvesting yields more than we put in.
Let’s continue diligently removing lies, like weeds, from our lives. We will keep planting the truth of our Savior. Then we will wait, knowing that our God is able. Yes, to Him be unending glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations.
A Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the lessons found in the field. Thank you for providing abundantly beyond all that we could ask or think. Thank you for being enough! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Questions to Ponder
Where have you seen God provide beyond what you'd imagined?
How can the truth of the past help you in this moment?
More Ephesians Devotionals
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