Plant Seed with Hope & Assurance

Scriptures: “I planted the seed, Apollo watered it, but God made it grow.” (I Corinthians 3:6)

One Christian was having lunch with a co-worker from India. He came to know his Indian co-worker about 3 weeks ago and their relationship was primarily work related. For some reason unknown to the Christian at that time, his Indian friend started to tell him all the problems he was having back home between his wife and his parents.

With everything he knew, this Christian tried to counsel his friend. But, the efforts were without success. Not knowing what else to say, he became silent and the two just sat there doing nothing but eating. All of a sudden, a small voice in this Christian's heart told him to tell his friend things about Jesus. “But he is an Hindu,” protested the Christian. Yet, the voice persisted. So he asked his friend if he knew Jesus. His friend replied, “No.” So, he began to share the good news of Jesus with his Indian friend. At the end of the sharing, there was silence again. This Christian did not know how well his Indian friend received the gospel. So, they went back to their office.

After some chores in the office, this Christian returned to his cubicle which he shared with his Indian friend only to find that his friend had written a line on his document, “God can solve all my problems!” That opened up the door for more sharing and witnessing which eventually lead to his friend and all the family to salvation.

Sometimes we really don’t know the impact of the things we are doing. But that’s what faith is all about, isn’t it? We are not called to know everything that’s going to happen before we take actions. We are called to know and trust our Lord Jesus, both in His provisions and guidance, and take actions accordingly. God will take care of the rest.

Like this Christian, we often struggle with questions like, “should I do it? Or should I not do it?” “What’s going to happen if I do it? Will I lose face? Will I lose this friend?” We forget that our Lord is the Sovereign God and, so long as we act according to His will, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)

Paul said that he planted the seed and Apollo watered it, but God made it grow. Sometimes that’s our job too. We were not meant to see the result. We were simply called to plant the seed. God will bring along someone else to water it and He Himself will see to it that the seed grows. Let’s not let our fear and analysis stand in the way of our ministries in His name. Let’s remember that, as long as we obey His commands and act accordingly, our Lord will see to it that He is glorified in the process and in the end!

Prayer Requests:
Those struggling with family problems and are in desperate need for Jesus and His healing power.

Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank You for Jesus and thank You for being there for us always! Please help us to remember that You are the source of all goodness and give us the faith and strength to witness Your love and grace in every opportunity You present to us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!