Getting Real About Faith
This weekend I went with my family to Lowe’s Home Improvement. We thought it would be fun to get out of the sun, stroll through the aisles, and dream about a future home. It wasn’t as fun as we expected.
The work I used to do had me visiting the Lowe’s corporate offices frequently. Many of the things we walked by reminded us of things we used to have – things we had walked similar aisle before to purchase. They were all things we no longer own.
A few years ago, my wife and I sold everything to help teenage orphan girls in China. We left friends, family, good jobs, and all our earthly possessions (everything that could fit into eight suitcases). We left all we had to go to the unknown to follow a dream we felt God put in our hearts.
Now, we are back in the U.S after setting up a business in China and handing it off to locals. We saw amazing things happen there. But being back home, we feel further behind than ever before.
Are Rewards Only For Heaven?
Jesus says that no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life (Luke 18:29-30). He claims that those that give up their treasure on earth will be rewarded in heaven AND on earth. He said in THIS age and the one to come.
Paul says that God cannot be mocked, a man reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7). As a young Christian, this verse was used to keep us young Christians away from sinful things. While it has that meaning, I never focused on the other part of what this is saying.
“…Whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 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 6:8-9
You Will Reap What You Sow!
Just as evil actions will produce a bad harvest, sowing good actions will also produce a harvest. The difference is, that this harvest is good and plentiful.
God wants us to expect a harvest. He wants us to expect His rewards (Hebrews 11:6).
I am still in the waiting for my harvest.
Are You Waiting For Your Harvest?
I didn’t write this to make you feel sorry for my situation. My faith that God will do what He has promised is coming alive. I may not know what or when, but I do know He only gives good gifts (Matthew 7:11).
I felt to write this post to encourage some of you who may be losing faith that God rewards. You are not forgotten. He has not overlooked the things you have left to follow Jesus. If this is you, please let me know, and I will pray for your harvest as I pray for mine.