Sowing Out of Season

Genesis 26:12-16 tells the story of Isaac, who in obedience to God, remained in the famine-stricken land of Gerar. Despite the unfavorable conditions, Isaac chose to plant seeds. In that same year, he harvested a hundredfold. This story is a testament to the power of faith and obedience to God, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Isaac’s decision to sow seeds out of season was a faith venture. He trusted God to provide a harvest even when the conditions were not conducive to planting. As a result of his obedience and faith, Isaac “became rich and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy.”

This story teaches us the importance of sacrificial giving. Like Isaac’s decision to plant seeds out of season, sacrificial giving is a faith venture. It requires trusting God to provide for us even when it doesn’t seem possible.

Sacrificial giving is an act of faith that involves giving more than what we can afford to give. It means trusting God to provide for our needs and believing that He will bless us for our obedience. This type of giving is exemplified in the story of the widow who gave her last two coins to the temple (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus commended her for her faith and sacrificial giving, saying that she had given more than all the others.

During these hard economic times, it’s more important than ever to give sacrificially. Many people are struggling to make ends meet, and it can be tempting to hold onto our resources and prioritize our own needs. However, as Christians, we are called to give sacrificially and trust God to provide for us.

Generously contributing to the construction of a cathedral last Sunday was an act of sacrificial giving, especially during these hard economic times, and also accounts for an act of sowing seeds of faith and obedience to God. We are trusting Him to bless our sacrifice and provide for us even when times are tough.

The blessings of sowing seeds of faith out of season are eternal. We may not always see the results of our sacrificial giving immediately, but we can trust that God is faithful and will honor our obedience. Just as Isaac reaped a hundredfold harvest, we too can expect to receive blessings from God when we give sacrificially.

As Christians, we are called to be generous and sacrificial in our giving. We are called to trust God and believe that He will provide for us. By sowing seeds of faith and giving sacrificially, we are participating in the work of the Kingdom and helping to bring about God’s will on earth.

In conclusion, let us be encouraged by the story of Isaac and his decision to plant seeds out of season. Let us also be inspired to give sacrificially and trust God to bless our obedience. As we sow seeds of faith, may we receive God’s eternal blessings and continue to grow in our relationship with Him, and advance the work of the Kingdom. God bless you all.