As a kid, I remember seeing massive crops as we traveled outside of my hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. I was always baffled of how an empty field would sprout so much vegetation. It didn’t matter what the crop was—I just remember being in awe. It wasn’t until I was older that I began to understand the principle of sowing and reaping. It just doesn’t apply to farming—it’s a life principle.
Farmers make decisions about what they plant. Certain environments will not grow various plants. Beans do not grow in cold weather. Collard greens can be plant- ed early spring or early Fall. The temperature can play a significant role in the harvest. Just as farmers must decide about what they want to plant and the environment, they also must consider the soil. The soil must be prepared and maintained for growth. It’s also important that the soil has nutrients so that the plants will grow. Plants need water. Our lives are so similar. If we are not preparing the soil for what we want to plant, our crops might be problematic.
Every single day, we are either planting or scattering seeds–the only difference is the intentionality of what we are doing. Scattering seeds shows up when we are not being purposeful with our decisions. Planting requires thinking about what harvest we want. Planting apple seeds will not result in sunflowers. Yet, many of us are surprised when our harvest comes up with something unexpected not recognizing our seeds. Sowing seeds of gossip, envy, jealousy can not reap a harvest of love, joy, and peace. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7) There are consequences for our actions and when we are not deliberate about what we want in our lives, we leave our lives being destroyed by the winds and storms we encounter. What are you planting and is it bringing the harvest that you want? Crops take time to grow, and it doesn’t happen overnight. For many of us, we give up so quickly that we miss out on the harvest of blessings. If wait and continue to water it by our words and actions, we can expect growth. Waiting and having patience is also important as a part of growth. If we allow our anxiety to take over, we can abruptly alter the course of what we wanted. It requires trusting God. “I ait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope.” (Psalm 130:5) Waiting on God yields results. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
The Bible is very clear on these principles in our lives. Knowing our part is critical.
So how do we plant a crop that will yield a wonderful harvest? It’s all in the decisions that we make every single day (Read Matthew 13). “If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out, then I shall give you rains in their season, so that the land will yield its produce and the trees of the field will bear their fruit…. You will thus eat your food to the full and live securely in your land.” (Leviticus 26:3-5)
Think about this:
- Is your soil (your mind) being fed nutrients daily? Or are you feasting on the foul and foolishness of the day? Are you planting seeds that will win or wither?
- Are you dehydrated? Are you missing out being filled in the right way? Or are you using temporary fixes like Crystal Light and other substitutes that only add sugar and calories? “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
- External circumstances can impact your crop. If you are always dealing with toxicity and trauma, your crop might be premature and suffer. The rain, wind, and storms will not go away but you can be protected based on who is watching your crop. Are you in control or is God?
Our harvest depends on what we are connected to. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the host of the Tapestry Podcast and the author of three books for women. She is also the Vice President of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas. To learn more, visit drfroswa.com.
