- photo by Susan PageTo gather a harvest means some seed has been planted. Whether it is a seed of the beginning of something new, a seed of doubt, or a seed of faith, all these seeds will grow under the right conditions.

My youngest daughter and her husband had an idea to build a hobby farm. This seed blossomed beyond the dreaming stage, through the planning and the signing of the contract. However, there was a lot of hard and physically demanding work that came first.

Clearing land, hauling away the old, making way for the new. Part of the project was to plant a small fruit orchard. They planted tiny saplings which needed to be lovingly cared for and nurtured. This required protecting them from the wind, feeding, watering, and pruning. It also means not picking a harvest for at least three years, as this will help the trees develop to their full potential. Wow! Talk about growing in patience.

They also plant a large fruit and vegetable garden each spring. In the late stages of winter, they start many little seedlings indoors where they are tenderly given nutrients, water, and light so that they are ready to transplant outdoors at just the right time. These little seedlings grow into many sizes, colours and shapes of fruits and vegetables. The more unusual and unique a species they harvest, the better they like it. Planting wildflower seeds also bring great delight as they attract many birds and butterflies.

Whenever they hit a roadblock in this on-going project, there may be a tiny seed of doubt, but their passion, determination, and belief that it will all be worthwhile enables them to shake it off and keep going and growing!

There are many faith analogies to be gleaned here. When seeds of doubt come into our lives, especially when we are going through discouragement, we can turn to God’s Word and God’s people to help.

We cannot grow in grace and the knowledge of our faith in Christ Jesus without planting His Word in our heart. As we grow, the spiritual fruit will be seen in our lives, which pleases our Father. Remember the old Sunday School chorus … “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow!”

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, gave thanks to God because he saw that the believers were growing in their faith, evidenced by their sincere and abundantly growing love for one another. They certainly faced times of struggle and confusion. There may have been times of doubt, but these believers were growing!

Growing in faith, growing in God’s grace, growing in love right where we are planted. Lord, may we grow, grow, grow!

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

 Susan Page is friend of Pastor Tim and Susan's. For many years she has written devotionals for the National Prayer Guide of the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada where she serves as their Church Relations Coordinator / Health Benefits Manager.