Devotional - Fall 2022

“Seedtime and Harvest” ~ Freda Rawlings

“The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.” (Psalm 85:12)

It is almost hard to receive this scripture verse in light of our difficult times.  As our nation and our families try to move past two years of covid, and the losses and trials we have all encountered – many of us are still waiting for the “good”. Believe it or not – despite so much “bad” in the world – God is still good and “His mercies are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I recently read the story of Hannah (1 Samuel 1) and how she was unable to bear children.  In her season of despair, Hannah continued to pray to the Lord.  Although she did not understand her situation – she did not become hardened and bitter, but poured out her heart to God.  She remained faithful and consistent not knowing that her prayers were working for good in her life. She made a vow that if she would have a son that she would give him back to God to serve the Lord all the days of his life. In time, the Lord gave Hannah a son – the answer to her fervent prayers, and she kept her vow to give over her beloved boy to serve in the temple and not grow up with her and the family.  How difficult that must have been!! But as God had proved Himself faithful to Hannah – Hannah proved herself faithful to Him.

As the story of Hannah’s son, Samuel, continues in the Bible, we discover that he served the Lord faithfully.  “And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.” (1 Samuel 3:19) Samuel was called by God as a prophet over Israel, and as the people of Israel obeyed the words of Samuel -- as he heard them from the Lord – they were delivered from their enemy and their land was blessed. (1 Samuel 7:3-4)

It is God’s desire to bless His people, and always provide “what is good” for us.  However, getting the “good” God has planned often means accepting the “bad” things that life brings – the hard times, the pain and the disappointments.   We know that in planting seeds, the hard soil must be broken up to receive that seed.  It is in this planting process that the seeds receive the nutrients of the soil and -- when watered -- they grow and bring forth fruit for the harvest. Hannah tilled the hardness of the soil of her heart by being completely broken and vulnerable before the Lord.  She was “constant in her prayer” and God planted seeds of faith in her heart to believe Him for a son.  Her consistency and perseverance yielded it’s increase and God gave what is good – a fruitful harvest from honest, faith-filled prayers.

“Rejoice in hope – be patient in tribulation – be constant in prayer.”  (Romans 12:12)