One missionary who served for several decades in ministry thought the first season of his missional life did not have results. For him, it was like wandering without any reward. He was invited to speak in seminary and after his speech one faculty stood up and said: “Sir, you came to my home when I was a kid about twenty-two years ago. You and your wife used to teach from the bible and pray and go. God has answered your prayers and I am here teaching in a seminary.” The missionary was shocked, he remembered it was toil walking a few miles to reach the home as it was amid a big government construction site. If in the world, God rewards the deeds of love for Him, what would the heavens reveal? “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1)
Exercise of futility? Casting bread or sowing seed on water is a futile exercise. Water could be interpreted as masses or people. Sharing the Word, prayers for people, counseling, exhortation, and writing…may not bring immediate results. The seed sown has life, germinates when conditions are favorable and grows to bring great yield.
Sow righteousness: God has called His people to sow righteousness. In the world of discrimination, injustice, exploitation, oppression, and harassment, believers are called to sow righteousness. Speaking up for the voiceless, standing for truth, encouraging the downtrodden, praying for the sick, and giving gifts to the poor…will have sure rewards. (Philippians 11:18)
Sow abundantly: Some are stingy and sow sparingly. Others are lazy and do not sow optimally. People of God should sow generously, abundantly, and widely. (II Corinthians 9:6)
Do not be weary: Paul writes not to become weary of doing good: showing love, and care, facilitating justice, connecting to resources, praying, interceding, and blessing others. God has his timetable and there is harvest time in his plan. There will be a season to reap. However, those who sow should not give up hope, trust the good and faithful Lord. (Galatians 6:9)
Do I engage in ministry with the hope of eternal dividends?