Sowing and Reaping

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."

(Galations 6:7)
What you sow is what you reap. Most people take this to mean that if you sow good things, you'll reap good things. If you so bad things, you'll reap bad things. But you can also read this to mean that what - or the kind - you sow, that you will also reap. When a farmer sows a corn seeds, he reaps corn plants. If he sows apple seeds, he reaps an apple orchard. Likewise, the kind of seeds you sow, you will also reap. If you sow by cooking meals for someone in need - whether its for illness, or new babies, or another sort of hardship - you can expect to reap food in a time of need. If you sow in time - for example, giving of your time to a family in watching their children - you can expect to reap care for your own children when you need it. If you sow finances into a building project, you can expect to reap finances for your own building project. If you sow mentoring into another person, you can expect to receive a mentor to challenge you in your own adventures.

Are you getting the picture? What we sow is what we reap. We reap in like kind. I'm sure you've heard it said, "If you have a need, sow a seed." So...what is it that you need? What can you sow right now that will allow you to begin reaping in that area? You need to remember that you don't sow and reap overnight, the harvest only comes after a season. You have to plant some seeds, leave them in the ground, and wait for a season to pass before they can be harvested. Look out into the future a bit. Are you a young couple without any children? Now is a great time to begin sowing into the lives of other couples with young kids. Offer them your services for babysitting so they can go on a date. In time, you will reap what you have sown. Are you facing a financial drought? Sow into someone else's difficult financial situation. My husband and I never do garage sales. For one, I can't stand to have "stuff" around for more than a week that isn't being used, but we've also considered this principle! We often ask ourselves, "Who might need this item, and can we give it away?" This is particularly true of our kids clothes and toys. We have made a habit of giving away clothes and toys that our kids outgrow, and in return, we've reaped a huge blessing in that area. For example, in the past 2 months, I've given so much clothing for my daughter that I had to send some of it back because it was more than we could use!

Here's the amazing thing. Almost always, this principle comes back to money. If you're reaping care for your kids when you need it...it means you didn't have to pay someone. If you're reaping meals, it means you didn't have to spend money on groceries and prepare them. If you're reaping kids clothes or toys, it means you didn't have to buy them yourself.

And isn't that what our God always promises? He promises not just enough, but an abundance. More than enough. Overflowing blessings. Hold him to His word on this, and see what He will do. What is it you need? Sow a seed and start the flow of blessing into your life.