Proverbs 6:9, Proverbs 20:4: How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?
My grandfather was born in Mississippi and was a farmer. Every year in early spring he would begin preparing the ground for planting. This involved removing debris and weeds, tilling the soil, fertilizing and then finally planting. Timing was important. If he planted too early, then he would risk a frost killing his crops. If he wanted too late, then we would miss the growing season and the harvest would be small.
“Chopping cotton” (using a garden hoe to remove weeds around cotton plants) was another important part of the farming process. If he waited too long, weeds would grow up and around the cotton plants and choke them. It was hard work in the hot Mississippi sun, but if he didn’t, he would lose his harvest.
Fast forward a few months, and he would be fully engaged in harvest. Again, timing was important. If he tried to harvest too early, the crops wouldn’t be ready. If he waited too long, some crops would rot out in the field. Harvest was so important because it provided the money and food he needed to support his family until the next harvest.
Timing is important in the fulfillment of God’s plan for our lives. And just like my grandfather didn’t know the exact date of when to begin the harvest, we don’t know exactly when the fulfillment of God’s plan for our lives will be. But there are necessary steps to His plan that can affect the outcome. Laziness, procrastination, distractions, disobedience, fear, discouragement, doubt, and an unwillingness to change or to persevere through difficulties are all reasons we can lose out on God’s “harvest”.
But Romans 8 provides us encouragement to stay vigilent and move forward. The Holy Spirit is there to help you with your weaknesses. Even when you feel lost and don’t know what to pray for, He is there to intercede for you according to God’s will. And if the Creator of the universe did not even spare His own Son for you, how will He not “graciously” give you all things that pertain to His will for your life? Basically, if He is for you, who can stand against you? Nothing can separate you from His love.
So what excuse do you have to miss the season of opportunity before you? What’s holding you back? Move forward or remain in slumber. The choice is yours.
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