We humans have a thing about convenience. If we can find machines and devices to makes life easier, we are all for it. There was a time when people needed to stand up and turn on the television manually and adjust an antenna for the best reception. Then came cable TV and remote controls. We can push a button and recline our seat with minimal effort while experiencing surround sound. VHS (video home system) tapes gave way to DVDs that do not need to be rewound with superior audio and clarity. Our penchant for convenience spills over into work and jobs we need to do. We often have the luxury of waiting for a convenient time because our lives do not depend on it.
This same tendency to make plans based upon what is convenient was observed by king Solomon. He recognised a desire for convenience and minimal risk actually hindered necessary work from being done. He wrote in Ecclesiastes 11:4-6: "He who observes the wind will not sow,and he who regards the clouds will not reap. 5 As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything. 6 In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good." One farmer may work rain or shine, but another might not sow because of the chance of rain. To prevent potentially being soaked to the skin (if it did actually rain) the farmer puts off work he needs to do for a harvest.
Solomon explained that there are things we can predict but there are also many things we cannot know or fully understand. We don't know where the wind comes from nor how the bones of a baby develop in the womb of a pregnant woman. God's works and ways are also unknown to us, though we see the result of His work all around and within us as His people. Solomon's advice is to do the job God has given to us without making excuses. The weather might be threatening on a particular morning, but it could start sunny and suddenly start raining as well. If we are governed by what is convenient or how we feel, the important task may never begin. If we are paralysed by fear or failure, getting wet, and wasting our efforts, we are wasting valuable time and opportunity God has given us today.
So do not withhold your hand, Christian! If we hold back from service to God because it isn't convenient or out of fear our labour will be in vain we will miss the chance of a great harvest. Better to take a risk of sowing on an overcast morning than leaving the seed in the bag because seed in the bag never grows: it rots and is ruined. When we are about God's business, whatever the weather, He will cause our efforts to be fruitful according to the riches of His grace. Even when the rain is pouring down and outside work is impossible Psalm 35:27 rings true: "Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." Praise Him who makes us to prosper!
This same tendency to make plans based upon what is convenient was observed by king Solomon. He recognised a desire for convenience and minimal risk actually hindered necessary work from being done. He wrote in Ecclesiastes 11:4-6: "He who observes the wind will not sow,and he who regards the clouds will not reap. 5 As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything. 6 In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good." One farmer may work rain or shine, but another might not sow because of the chance of rain. To prevent potentially being soaked to the skin (if it did actually rain) the farmer puts off work he needs to do for a harvest.
Solomon explained that there are things we can predict but there are also many things we cannot know or fully understand. We don't know where the wind comes from nor how the bones of a baby develop in the womb of a pregnant woman. God's works and ways are also unknown to us, though we see the result of His work all around and within us as His people. Solomon's advice is to do the job God has given to us without making excuses. The weather might be threatening on a particular morning, but it could start sunny and suddenly start raining as well. If we are governed by what is convenient or how we feel, the important task may never begin. If we are paralysed by fear or failure, getting wet, and wasting our efforts, we are wasting valuable time and opportunity God has given us today.
So do not withhold your hand, Christian! If we hold back from service to God because it isn't convenient or out of fear our labour will be in vain we will miss the chance of a great harvest. Better to take a risk of sowing on an overcast morning than leaving the seed in the bag because seed in the bag never grows: it rots and is ruined. When we are about God's business, whatever the weather, He will cause our efforts to be fruitful according to the riches of His grace. Even when the rain is pouring down and outside work is impossible Psalm 35:27 rings true: "Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." Praise Him who makes us to prosper!
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