Continue Planting

I’ve known several true gardeners who have decent size gardens in their yard. I’ve watched them work hard each spring tilling up the soil to aerate it. Then they use the hoe to take out any unwanted items like roots as they form it into rows. They know just when to plant seeds and how deep to place each individual seed. It’s as much physical exercise as going to the gym. Then they’re out there all the time making sure the soil has the proper nutrients so they can maximize the productivity of the seeds. They pull weeds for months as the crops grow and water it as needed. When it comes time for harvest, they know just when to pick each item. Once they’ve harvested each plant, they put some away for immediate use and start canning the rest. It’s crazy how much work goes into ensuring the seeds produce a harvest.

The book of Nehemiah is good to spend time in because of all the lessons you can learn. God dropped a seed in his heart to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem while he was living in exile. The king gave him permission to do what God had told him and even funded the project. When he arrived, he saw the rubble and how much work it was going to take to bring this seed to life. He mobilized the people living their to help him. As they began to move the rocks, opposition came which slowed the work down. They had to have a sword in one hand while moving rocks with the other. With hard work and perseverance, they were able to rebuild the wall and gates of the city. It took them just 52 grueling days to see extraordinary results from their efforts. When they completed it, they had a great feast to celebrate what God had accomplished through them.

Psalm 126:6 says, “Those who wept as they went out carrying the seed will come back singing for joy, as they bring in the harvest” (GNT). I don’t know what seeds God has placed in your heart to plant, but I do know it won’t be an easy process. Knowing when and where to plant will take effort. You will face opposition, sometimes from the people you least expect it from. You will have to pour some blood, sweat and tears into it before you’re able to reap the harvest. Don’t give up in the process though. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.” Keep digging. Keep planting. Don’t stop weeding and watering either. There is a harvest coming after all this labor and there will be rejoicing because the harvest will be worth the effort.

Photo by amol sonar on Unsplash