About two months ago, my mom, sister, and I were shopping in Popshelf (shout out to my fellow DIYers and crafters). We were on the hunt for some gems to start preparing for Christmas decorating. While inundated with all of the baubles and great finds. I heard "Gather the Harvest." I asked my sister to send me a reminder. I chalked it up to Thanksgiving and all the fall decor on display without pausing to ponder the statement further.
As November approached, the call to "Gather the Harvest" grew louder in my spirit. Since my family is from Mississippi, I have been exposed to farming and gardening. As a little girl, I loved summers with my grandparents. We shucked corn, picked berries (doing this barefoot was a favorite of mine), shelled peas, and canned preserves. The pretty little princess got her hands and feet dirty, but what does it take for the crop to come in? I haven't a clue. I used the call as an invitation to dig deep into the work required to cultivate a harvest for us to gather it.
As I relieved vivid memories of my childhood and good times with my grandparents (who, after spending 16 years apart on Thanksgiving Day, are now spending their first heavenly Thanksgiving Day together), I noticed that just as I was unaware of Holy Spirit's utterance to me in the store that day, as a child, I was equally unaware that He was filling me with lessons about farming, preparation, and harvesting.
The path to nurturing a spiritual harvest is deeply intertwined with biblical themes, and the Scriptures provide significant wisdom regarding the stages of sowing, nurturing, and reaping. We must first explore the natural process before understanding the spiritual principles of gathering a harvest. As farmers labor over the soil and seed with care and patience, we must labor in faith for the harvest God promises.
Cultivating a Natural Harvest
The Bible uses farming imagery to show the need for discipline and diligence for growth. James 5:7 paints the picture clearly: "See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains." A natural harvest starts with the environment and the soil—plowing, breaking up the hardened ground, and enriching it for the seed. Hosea 10:12 reminds us of this truth in a spiritual sense: "Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord."
Planting follows, as farmers sow seeds appropriate for the season, knowing that only the right seeds in well-prepared soil will thrive. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything there is a season." Once planted, the seeds require care. The seed’s time to grow is set, and only with patience does the farmer witness the crop’s full potential. Faithful tending follows: watering, weeding, and nurturing the soil. Neglect invites weeds to choke the crop, but consistency rewards the farmer with signs of life, and eventually, a harvest. Consistency is crucial. The microwave mentality of this world stokes a fire for instant gratification but a successful harvest doesn’t occur instantly. However, when the harvest finally arrives, it showcases the perfect work of patience in the process.
Cultivating a Spiritual Harvest
The process of a natural harvest echoes the experience of a spiritual harvest. Just as soil needs to be cultivated, our hearts must be prepared to embrace the Word of God. Repentance and surrender are the tools that plow the "fallow ground" of our hearts, making them fertile for God's promises. As David prayed in Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
The seeds we plant in the spiritual realm are steps of faith—acts of obedience, trust, and prayer. Galatians 6:7 reminds us of the principle of sowing and reaping: "Whatever a man sows, that will he also reap." Those seeds require spiritual disciplines to grow—prayer, worship, fasting, and spending time in God's Word are like sunlight and rain to a crop. They nourish the promises planted within us.
And just as weeds threaten natural crops, distractions, doubts, and worldly temptations can choke our spiritual growth. Jesus warns us in Matthew 13:22 that "the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, making it unfruitful." We need to protect our hearts and eliminate anything that interferes with God's purpose for us.
Gathering at Harvest Time
When the spiritual harvest comes, it will show God's faithfulness and our perseverance. Psalm 126:5-6 declares, “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” A spiritual harvest may include answered prayers, a transformation, or a closer walk with God. Whatever the fruit, it always brings glory to Him. As Jesus said in John 15:8, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
But the journey to the harvest is rarely linear. In certain areas of our lives, we may be cultivating new beginnings or in the preparation phase, while in others, we might already be experiencing the springing forth of fruit. This highlights the omnipotence, all-powerful essence of God, indicating that He is capable of doing everything simultaneously. He interacts with different aspects of our lives to achieve His purposes.
A Word of Encouragement
Whether you're in a season of preparation, growth, or waiting, remember that God is with you every step of the way. As the Master Gardener, He tends to your growth with love and care. Trust in His perfect timing and hold on to His promises as you wait for your harvest.
Your harvest will come - stay steadfast, faithful, and patient. In due time, you'll reap the fruit of every seed sown in obedience to Him. God's Word never returns empty, and His promises are certain. Keep cultivating, and let your harvest bring glory to Him in your life.
In His Love & Boldness,
❤️Teacher Nina
We must first understand the natural process before grasping the spiritual principles of gathering a harvest. This reminds me of 1 Cor 15:46: “However, that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is natural, and afterward that which is spiritual.”
Through this blog, I gained a deeper understanding of what fallow ground means biblically. This reminder is so encouraging in this season of my life. Thank you, sis! Trust in His perfect timing and hold on to His promises as you wait for your harvest.
Reading this was like oil being poured on my head. Thanks Nina. Very timely for me. God bless you. Kristojay
YURRRRRRRRRRR! This is such a great reminder that faith without works is dead. Fruitless faith!