Strictly speaking spiritual renewal doesn’t follow any strict formula. It’s a work of God’s grace and, as such, is entirely dependent upon Him. Still, if we are willing to recognize our need for spiritual renewal, then we can take conscious steps in that direction. God, as it happens, loves to move in the lives of people who are earnestly seeking Him.
It’s a basic principle of life: What goes around comes around. The Bible refers to it in terms of “sowing and reaping”. Sometimes it’s stated in the form of a warning:
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” – Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)
Fair enough. Let any who would scoff at the Almighty take heed; they won’t get away with it forever. But what about non-scoffers, without desire nor intention to ever mock God? Thankfully, the concept is still valid in the other direction. As the next verse explains:
“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.“- Galatians 6:8 (NKJV)
There is, however, something to beware of even in good, spiritual sowing:
Our ability to reap is not guaranteed.
Tragic, but true, and many reap not, because the time for harvest, the time to reap, doesn’t come immediately. Meanwhile, many get discouraged. Many lose patience. Many do not persevere. The enemy of our souls and the trials of life all work together in a vast conspiracy to get us to give up.
As long as we’re wise to this strategy, let’s not play right into it. In every area of life that we await that spiritual harvest, be it with family, friends, work or faithful service to our Master, let’s commit to stay committed. Don’t quit. Our capacity to not lose heart is the thing that guarantees a fruitful harvest.
May the Lord Jesus Christ grant you the grace and perseverance to become an abundantly joyful reaper.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.“- Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
Central Reflections 