I am by no means an expert on this subject, but I did get a little lesson on gardening recently from my uncle Dave.
He told me about the practice of growing “cover crops” in order to replenish soil. In a nutshell, this is how it goes; you sow seed, let it grow, let it die, and then let it become the soil. Through this process, valuable nutrients are deposited in the soil in order to get the most out of the dirt. Then greater potential is released in order to produce a more abundant harvest.
I think this process describes ministry very well. Oftentimes we sow and sow, and then something begins to grow (which is very exciting) and then the thing dies (which can be very discouraging); if we keep the whole cover crop thing in mind we realize that losing our first crop might not be so bad…something is at work, which will cause future seed to produce even greater harvest.
For those of us who might feel like we’ve lost something that seemed to be growing, or when it does happen, be encouraged! The soil is richer…your future harvest will be greater! I hope you get the picture.
This was a very timely word. I haven’t worked since 08/07 except for about 6 weeks . My savings gone and I was growing very discouraged and disillusioned . The word I’m getting from God is to not cast away my hope . However in terms of getting deliverance , healing and ministry this has been the greatest time of my life. Thank you for the process Lord !
Thank you for the Break Through Lord!Be encouraged oh my soul!