One of the toughest life lessons I’ve had to learn is that I will reap what I’ve sown. For someone who lived a life filled with sin, it has been a long and bitter harvest at times. Realizing that I am still paying for some of my youthful mistakes is a fruit never sweet to eat. Nevertheless, God can still use the bitterest of moments for my good and His glory.
While I cannot change reaping what I’ve sown, I can change my attitude towards the harvest. I can look at the damaged haul and use it as an example unto my children and grandchildren. The wisdom that I can share with others from the evidence of my own mistakes hopefully will keep them from repeating my sinful actions. It also gives me a chance to share a universal and unchanging truth from the Bible:
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“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.†(Galatians 6:7)
Thanks Brother Dave for starting my morning on such a positive note! I agree if the Apostle Paul had finished his letter to the Galatian church with that sentence it could be conceived as negative. However, with every principle there is protection and provision from God the Father. Paul continued with an alternative to harvesting bad fruit:
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“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.†(Galatians 6:8)
Even if we have reaped corruption and may still be suffering the consequences of past sins, we can sow spiritual seed that reaps us everlasting life. To know that even while I’ve had to harvest bitter fruit because of my past sins, I can still reap spiritual blessings for eternal life is all the motivation I need. And if I get disappointed and discouraged along the way, Paul addressed that in his Galatian letter:
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“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.†(Galatians 6:9)
I know some of you are facing tough times right now. Some of you are being haunted for past indiscretions and it can be frustrating. The devil would love nothing more than for you to throw your hands in the air in surrender and give up the good race. Stay the course! Know that God’s promises are sure and trustworthy even in the darkest moments.
Right now you may be so broken that all you can do is weep. You have no energy to pursue your dreams, you’ve been beaten back so many times you’re doubting if you have enough left to make one more charge. Understand this dear Christian; the grace of God never runs out. His power is always available and every ready.
You can face even this tough moment with clarity, confidence, and courage because your King is the king of kings. Your Lord is the lord of lords. His word is sure and mighty and gives you strength for each day. Even in your weeping you can go forward with heavenly assurance:
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“He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.†(Psalm 126:6)
My prayer for you is that you face today with a new attitude, resolved to continue on the great adventure that should be the life of every Christian. Let us not allow one more day to pass where we feel defeated or downtrodden.
In Christ you have all you need to make it through each day and do more than survive; you can thrive.
Do you have that assurance?
In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4
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Copyright © 2015 David Jeffers
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Bible, Christian Activism, Christianity, Culture, Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Hope, Joy, Mercy, Prayer, Revival, Sin, Truth, Wisdom