The Fruit of Our Labors

We are beginning to enjoy to fruit of our labors from the garden. This week Connie picked some squash, cucumbers, tomatos and several grocery bags full of green beans. We broke the beans, canned about 20 quarts and have a bunch in the refrigerator ready to sauté up with some onions and garlic. There is still plenty out there to look forward to; the sowing, watering and cultivating are paying off.

But that is not the only fruit we have seen this week. A number of our people were involved in 5-Day Clubs held in four different locations (3 in Olathe and 1 in Gardner). Children were invited to come and sing songs, memorize Scripture, participate in some fun activities and hear a clear presentation of the Gospel each evening this week. We had somewhere between 60 - 70 children attend and a number of parents as well. The seeds of truth were sown in young hearts and now we look forward to a harvest that will be far more fulfilling and long lasting.

Galatians 6:9 has a blessed promise for the sower: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” There is a due season in the lives of people. The events of a person’s life are providentially ordered to bring about God’s desired end. Not everyone cooperates with God’s leading, but one thing is sure, the ones who do can expect a fruitful end.

Psalm 126:5-6 provides us with another promise, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” The word “doubtless” surely raises the level of anticipation in the heart of the sower; however he must not lose sight of the conditions, “goeth forth and weepeth”. How many of us weep as we sow? If the people of God would water the seeds of truth with the tears of compassion, how much greater would be the yield of our eternal harvest?

In the days ahead, Connie and I will gather around the dinner table and give thanks for the good food God has provided from our summer garden. There will be a measure of satisfaction we will experience knowing that it is the fruit of our labors. There is heavenly gathering we look forward to; each of us as believers will be there and the fruit of our earthly labors will be a source of everlasting joy.