Reaping A Harvest

Reaping a Harvest

Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9

It is not uncommon for Americans to go through what is referred to as a midlife crisis. Men and women realize their mortality more clearly as the years tick by, and they desire a change in their day-to-day situation. Some may make good choices, such as turning away from selfish pursuits to serve other people. Others focus on self-indulgence and pursue things they wish they had had before, whether it be a new place to live or a different kind of work.

For the Amish, the work they do as teenagers is most likely the work they’ll do all their lives.

Dedication and perseverance can be said to characterize an Amish worker. Writing about the Amish, David Luthy says, “A person’s devotion to an idea is not measured until the newness has worn off, until the challenge has lost its initial excitement, and the fun and glamour have faded. Then, when only the hard work remains—the daily tasks, the mundane labor—that is when a person’s commitment to a project is truly tested.”

It’s not uncommon for those who believe in God to have spiritual midlife crises too. Maybe they had expected that life with God would turn out differently. Yet the level of their devotion to God—their commitment—becomes evident when doing good is hard. Aren’t you glad that God does not leave us alone in our efforts?

Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” When the last day comes and we finish with our earthly work, what will God say about us? Were we committed to His cause? Did we turn to Him during every crisis that came?

Dear heavenly Father, there are days when I become weary in doing good. I give, I serve, and it seems that more gets poured out than put in. I thank You, Lord, that You can give me strength. I need it—I depend on You—now.