Will there be a Harvest?

Every farmer wants a harvest. It is the purpose of all his planning and hard work. And it is the desire of every laborer in the Master's vineyard to see fruit. Yet it is not guaranteed. It is possible to spend weeks and months, even years, of labor and be disappointed at last. Do we value the harvest enough to keep contending for it?

Much spiritual sowing and laboring continues in the fields Brother Lawrence and his wife have been called to. Although the meetings mentioned in the last post were cut short, it soon became evident that God had appointed the change in plans so they could go minister to some elderly people in the Mount Kenya area.


Lawrence (standing with his wife) held several meetings for these dear folks, with a large attendance. "Please,pray for these old people and the neighborhood," he writes. He is also thankful to report that an elderly couple nearing death seemed clear with the Lord. Others, like the fig tree in the parable, are found with a fruitless profession. Please pray that God's faithful digging will bring a response.


The physical needs of the Makindu area are also much on the minister's heart. Though the maize and bean crops have grown well, a final rain is very much needed. We see in the green fields the hope of next year's food supply - if there is a harvest.


Because of the replenished water supply from the earlier rains, this brother has been able to irrigate his fruit orchard. The maturing oranges (above) and mangoes (below) promise sweet reward for his labors.



Like in most temporal cares of life, the spiritual effects are not far away. The pressing needs of life bring us to the end of our resources and require us to seek for help. We know the parable Jesus told of the poor widow and the unjust judge. Though it illustrated the need to "pray and not to faint," how often does the "unanswered yet" prayers seem in vain? Listen to our Lord's conclusion: "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." (Luke 18:7-8) Do we believe Him?

Will we neglect to pray for these dear people? There is expectant, faith-filled patience for us to learn in our labors. "Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until they receive the early and latter rain." (James 5:7)


"Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?"