Time to sow

January 8, 2007

By Bobby J. Wilson

“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” (Ecclesiastes 11:6, NKJV).

Sowing seed is a sure way of moving forward. So much is said in the Bible about sowing. It seems to be the natural means of providing for good opportunities. Jesus’ parable of the sower in Luke 8 is so easy to understand. Although seed sowing may have different outcomes and is dependent on other elements, one thing is sure: Seed is to be sown, and when sown, it will have an impact.

Solomon’s directive in Ecclesiastes 11 is also decisive. Sow the seed and reap the results. Trust the seed, trust the elements and gather the goods. This or that — both may work. One thing for sure — without sowing, nothing will work; there will be no harvest.

Here are some thoughts about familiar things we do.

1. Prayer is sowing at its best. Whatever form prayer may take, it is sowing by faith in the mercy of God. Praying for your family, for personal needs, for forgiveness, for salvation, for healing or for deliverance is sowing.

2. Bible study and reading are sowing that will change anyone’s life and lift one’s faith level. In fact Jesus identified the “seed” in His parable as the Word of God.

3. Praise is sowing that pleases God and opens up the heart and spirit to His glory.

4. Godly living is sowing that produces victory over the world, the flesh and the evil one.

5. Love is seed sowing. Loving God, loving our neighbor, loving our family members, loving without boundaries, releases the perfect nature of God into us.

6. The Name of Jesus is to be lifted up. Sowing this powerful seed will bring eternal salvation to a lost world. “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:23,24).

Sowing and moving forward is a natural process to the God-chaser! “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). I’ll see you at the finish line.

Bobby J. Wilson is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Pueblo, Colo.