To Reap a Harvest

by Amey Edens

“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 6:9  

When life gets tough or becomes discouraging, we can often decide to throw in the towel and walk away. However, in Galatians, Paul teaches us to do the opposite. I do not know about you, but I would rather press on and do what is good so I can reap a harvest. Have you ever been there; felt so discouraged and defeated that you just simply gave up and walked away? Sisters, we cannot do that! Do not give up the harvest that God has promised.  

Many years ago, I was asked by a dear friend about the most challenging thing in my life. I did not have to give it to much thought, because I already knew. My answer was being a Christian, marriage, and parenting. These three things bring me pure joy but can leave me feeling inadequate and uncapable at times.  

I have heard it said that the things in life that are most rewarding, are the most challenging. This is exactly why God has provided us the greatest resource to do life with – yes, the Bible. I am grateful for the Bible that is filled with truth and wisdom that teaches us how to do life as a devoted Christ follower, wife, and mother. Life is filled with triumphs, heartaches, joy, setbacks and comebacks, tears, laughter, and a whole lot of other emotions. At times, all these emotions can be experienced in one day. Talk about a roller coaster ride! That is enough to make you feel overwhelmed and weary. But, oh how sweet the words are in Galatians 6:9, “…we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”   

I have a battle raging on now, but you see, I wake up every morning and I put on the full armor of God. Take a moment in your quiet time today to read and memorize Galatians 6:10-18. We must be on guard and ready to defeat the one who seeks to take us down.   

I want to encourage you to stay the course, draw near to Jesus, get in the Word, and on your knees in prayer. Jesus fought Satan in the desert with Scripture and we can too. The Bible is filled with truth and wisdom teaching us how we can defeat Satan when we face trials and tribulations in our Christian walk, marriage, and motherhood.  

Proverbs teaches us how to attain wisdom and tells us not to forsake it. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you (Prov. 4:6). God loves us and is for us. We must do our part, which is why we must be in the Word, be devoted, be in prayer, and be ready to stand up for your faith, marriage, and family.  

Be blessed,
Amey

Galatians 6.9-18 (link to biblegateway.com):

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting.

Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save.  And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.  It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.  May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.

From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.

Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.