At the beginning of a New Year it seems like a good idea to write about sowing seeds and New Years’s resolutions. Seeds came up a few times in my readings and meditations towards the end of 2021.
Psalm 126:16 says “those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seeds to sow, will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves with him.”
Evangelism can be a lonely calling and often heartwrenching as you meet people in their brokenness. It can be discouraging too as people reject the good news. You have to remember that they are generally rejecting the message and not the messenger.
God promises that there will be a harvest, “His word will not return void but accomplish that which He pleases.” Isaiah 55:11
Remembrance Sunday reminded me of the fact that poppies grow best when they are in soil that has recently been disturbed. That is why they grow in abundance at the side of new roads; and also why they were so evident in the battle torn-fields in France during World War One.
This provides a clear parallel to the fact that it often seems to be in the midst of uncertainty and distress that people are open to hear the gospel.
I was reminded too of seeds lying dormant in a desert, often for many years, waiting for rain. When the rain does come, the desert bursts into bloom with a carpet of flowers.
We don’t know when the seeds we sow will come into bloom. We may not see the fruit ourselves – “One sows and another reaps.” John 4:37
As an organisation OAC is currently meeting to pray each month via Zoom in accordance with Matthew 9:38. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out more workers.”
Why not join us in prayer? You can even join us via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month from 0730 to 0800. Email for login details.
As for New Year resolutions, do you make them?
Why not consider sowing seeds and joining one of our evangelism training courses? We are starting an online course on Monday 10th January at 1930. Take a look at the full course details. If you can’t make it, how about recommending it to a friend?
Details are also available about our other training and mission opportunities here.
