"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease"  (Genesis 8:22). "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy" (Psalm 126:5).

This is a very busy time for the farmers in our area. The last several days the weather has been outstanding and a drive through the country reveals a buzz of activity on farm after farm as they plant field corn. Yesterday they planted the large field across from us, sowing seed 12 rows at a time. It's quite sight!

As I study for today's encouragement I was surprised that the word "seedtime" is only used once in the entire Bible (in most commonly used versions). It's in the covenant that God made with Noah following the great flood. The flood occurred many thousands of years ago but this covenant promise continues unabated "as long as the earth endures." Seedtime is otherwise known as sowing and is a great spiritual truth as well as physical phenomenon.

The second daily verse states, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy" (Psalm 126:5).  I don't really believe farmers typically "sow in tears" but as they sow they are sure aware of the many dangers that face their growing crop till harvest. It's sure that way for us, also, as we sow.

Some reading this devotional have sowed in tears. You are seeking to faithfully follow the Lord and sow His seed of truth in the lives of others. You have such a burden for loved ones who are not following the truth. But they are unreceptive, perhaps even hard, and you see no evidence at all of harvest. You continue to sow, at times in tears. For some of you this has gone on for years and years. You are weary and perhaps discouraged.

Let me share with you a great, great promise. Read it slowly and claim it by faith. I memorized it as a young Christian and have so often gained spiritual strength and assurance from it. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who 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 6:7-9).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's note: I've had a very emotional week as I've been saying my "good-byes" to four business places where I've served as chaplain over the past three years.  I resigned from the company I worked for, as Stephen did last December, so I've had to cut my ties with the wonderful people I've built relationships with.

It has been very difficult for me and also for many of the employees. I've had many opportunities to hear their stories and their ongoing struggles as I walked through the workplaces weekly.  I've prayed regularly for them and often with them. I've attended many funerals of their loved ones and provided ongoing follow-up care through calls, letters, cards, etc.  It has been an incredibly positive and spiritual growing period of my Christian walk.

There are quite a few people that wiped the involuntary tears away because we'd been through a lot together.  But I also found Galatians 6:9 to be very relevant yesterday when there were those whom I didn't feel would even notice my departure.  I'd been "sowing" for nearly two years with little to no response from these individuals - at times feeling that they would be more comfortable without my presence.  But yesterday these very same people were some of the ones that, for the very first time, shared with me how glad they were that I'd been there.  They expressed their disappointment that I would not be there for them if they had a problem. They told me that I was a person they'd feel most comfortable sharing their problems with if a need arose in their lives. 

It took extra effort to conceal my absolute surprise at these responses.  I'd become weary many times in trying to reach some of these seemingly uninterested people and I judged my impact on their lives by their lack of response and even their facial expressions.  If you're feeling weary as you reach out to others be careful not to judge your impact by their response or lack of it.  They are watching and when the time is right they'll let you know.  In the meantime just keep on "doing good."

Here's a photo of the 12 row corn planter used to sow the field across from our home.

Update on Mom: Regular readers know that my 84 year old Mom lives with us. In February she had knee replacement surgery followed by a lengthy rehab period. She is doing well and back to her activities. Here she is waiting for the van to take her to the Senior Center. She greets her family and friends reading this!