God Gives the Increase

For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors. John 4:37-38 NKJV

I don’t know about you, but real life experiences, make Bible teachings that much more real for me. For me, it’s like I need that real like experience/application for that aha moment. I’m a tactile learner.

I had been chatting with my sister, for how many months, and she had reminded me time and again about those that sow, those that water, those that reap… Basically, a polite, and biblical reminder that I’m not supposed to do everything. And I need to trust God, seek His direction, and know when to let go.

See, sometimes, I tend to hold onto situations, as though I’m the only one that can do the thing that needs to be done. Sometimes, I forget that I play such a tiny role in the grand scheme of things and I need to learn to step aside and allow others, whom God has called to step in and do what He has called them to do so that He can ultimately get the glory in the situation, in myself/my life, and the lives all involved.

How did life help me me figure this out?

My kiddos and I started a spring time project. We (mostly my son) built up a greenhouse and have started a garden of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. I tell you what… It is hard work! When you even consider just the planting, or sowing. You have to consider the type of soil, fertilizer plant type, plant food. We had to determine if we were going to germinate the plant prior to placing it in soil or moving it directly to soil. Then, there are requirements for placing them in pots versus in the ground (soil is different as well). So much work must be done, depending upon the plant. I had no idea!

People can be like this. Whether you are the one sent to sow, water, or harvest – there is much work. Sometimes, I think we can give up or grow discouraged when we don’t see the harvest or even growth. But, it’s not about us – it’s about Jesus. And He most assuredly oversees every part of the process and it is God that gives the increase.

Any rejection that comes, is a rejection of Jesus. And any growth/harvest also belongs to Him.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 NKJV

*Original Image by Yours Truly