Labour and Prosperity

The Bible is packed with wisdom and encouragement all who trust God ought take to heart.  We need to look to the LORD continually to align our perspective according to His miraculous strength and good purposes.  It is easy for us to allow other people, circumstances and feelings to dictate what we do rather than the almighty God.  We check a weather report to see if we should bring along a jacket or umbrella or we decide not to mow our lawn that needs a trim due to a drizzle.  Jesus spoke about how sailors observed the sky to predict the conditions on the water.  Our call is to look beyond the natural world with eyes of faith on God, to do the work He has called us to do regardless of the weather or how profitable our efforts seem to be.

Solomon spoke about how external factors can impact us without considering God's role in this world 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."  We naturally do not give God enough credit.  We can allow the wind or clouds to prevent us from doing necessary work when we have no idea how God does His wonders.  We make excuses not to put in effort because of perceived obstacles when we would be best served to serve God by obedience in all seasons of life.

A farmer who will not sow on a windy day will not have a crop for food or seed, and the one who is intimidated by dark clouds and the prospects of working in the wet will see his crop rot in the field.  God knows and does what we cannot, for He makes the wind to blow and causes the bones of a child to form in the womb.  We cannot know how God will use our efforts to accomplish His purposes in fruitfulness and new life.  Paul explained how he planted, Apollos watered and God brought the increase.  God used the efforts of those who trusted and served Him to be spiritually profitable.

Solomon's conclusion is we ought to do what work we can and not be put off by potential hindrances because God knows and does what we cannot do by effort alone.  Should we cease preaching God's word or praying because people seem dull, unresponsive or agitated?  Since we do not know how God will make our labours to prosper, let us labour unto the LORD with all our might.  We can put our backs into sowing seed despite wind and to bind and gather sheaves even in gloomy weather.  These steps of faith are pleasing to our LORD and Saviour Whom we follow and emulate, for Jesus worked while it was day in His Father's business.  As long He was in the world He was the Light of the World, so may He make our light shine bright despite wind and clouds for His glory.