PASTOR'S
CORNER 
Investing In Our Future...
We are entering into the fourth month of
the year and it seems as though we celebrated New Year's
Eve yesterday. God has been faithful to us thus far and
I pray that we continue to look to Him for guidance through
the course of this year.
As He fulfils His promises to us we
have to grasp the concept of investing in our future. Our
future comprises our family, health, relationships, spiritual
life, career and finances. How do we invest in our future?
We nurture our loved ones; exercise in the gym and eat right;
study the Word; save money in our bank accounts, etc. However
our efforts would be in vain if heaven withheld its showers
of blessing to moisten the earth to enable these seeds to
flourish and develop to their full potential. Psalm
127 says, 'except the Lord build the house, they
labour in vain that build it….' With this in mind,
let us explore the 'mindset of the sower.'
There is a song, which says 'we plough the
fields and scatter the good seed on the land, but it is
fed and watered by God's almighty hand…all good things
around us are sent from heaven above…'
Mark
4:3 hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to
sow: and it came to pass, as he sowed…Mark
4:26-29 And he said, so is the kingdom of God,
as if a man should cast seed into the ground…
The most important fact to take note of is
that the sower invested precious seed. He understood that
the quantity of his harvest depended on the quality of his
seed. In addition to this he displayed four unique attributes
namely, active faith; patience; persistence; purpose and
perseverance.
1. Active Faith:
Ecclesiastes 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow;
and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap…. To
sow means to initiate. This in turn implies that there is
an element of risk involved in sowing. The sower therefore
makes plans for his future according to God's will and places
his trust in God. Luke
19:17 says, 'And he said unto him, Well, thou
good servant: because thou hast been faithful
in a very little, have thou authority over
ten cities.' The sower knew that he was taking a risk however
his trust in God outweighed his fear.
2. Patience:
Heb 10:36
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the
will of God, ye might receive the promise. Your seed must
first die, (endure pain, frustration, disappointment), before
it can germinate and bear fruit. Patience confirms the sower's
faith in God's ability to do that which He promised. Our
gifts may take a while to manifest as suggested in Habakkuk
2:3 'For the vision is yet for an appointed time
and it hastens to the end [fulfilment]; it will not deceive
or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it,
because it will surely come; it will not be behind on its
appointed day.' Growth requires time.
3. Persistence:
Gal 6:9 And
let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we
shall reap, if we faint not. You will encounter obstacles
such as stony ground and thorns but be determined to overcome
all of these. Persistence is affirmation of your trust in
God and your commitment to your goals. You will be rewarded
in due season. A formula, on which I rely says:
ORDINARY TALENT + EXTRAORDINARY
PERSISTENCE = SUCCESS
4. Purpose: The sower knew that
his goal was to plant seeds regardless of the circumstances
and external conditions. Some of his seeds were choked by
thorns but he remained focused. Mark
4:17 says 'And they have no real root in themselves,
and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble
or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately
are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and
they stumble and fall away.' You were born for God's purpose.
Discovering the blueprint for your life validates your existence.
In his book, 'The Purpose Driven Life', Rick Warren states
that knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life; simplifies
your life; gives you focus; motivates you; and prepares
you for eternity.
5. Perseverance:
Psalm 126:5-6
'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.'
Know who you are in Christ and never give up. You will sow
in different types of ground but with God's guidance you
will sow in good ground which will yield fruit of remarkable
quality. Your beginning may be insignificant but your future
will be prominent if you persevere. Job
8:7 says, 'Though thy beginning was small, yet
thy latter end should greatly increase.'
Adopting the sower's approach to the selfless
act of giving would encourage heaven to reward you with
amazing results. That which seems ordinary will become extraordinary.
As you take a bold step and determine to think and act like
the sower you will encounter obstacles such as disappointment
and failure. These are simply designed to frustrate and
delay you. Stand on the Word, in faith, to ensure that your
circumstances do not suffocate and destroy God's plans for
you.
This month remember that you must take a
risk and persevere in order to fulfil your dreams. The very
act of giving or sowing is 'worship'. God inhabits our worship
therefore let His presence surround you and continue to
enrich your life as you sow into His kingdom.
Until next month ....