He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.
— Ecclesiastes 11:4
EVERYTHING WE DO in life involves risks and difficulties. For the most part, we don’t let potential risks stop us from achieving our goals. We see those risks as challenges—and we forge ahead. If we don’t, we limit what we are able to accomplish in our lifetime.
Solomon speaks about those who let the presence of wind keep them from sowing, and the possibility of rain keep them from reaping. If fearful hesitation can keep you from reaping a material harvest, how much more so is it true of spiritual things?
When sown, God’s Word falls on different kinds of soil. Not all are receptive. We sometimes look at certain people and conclude that they’re so far gone, there’s no point in sharing the gospel with them. But that’s wrong. To not sow God’s Word because of real or imagined difficulties is to disobey the plain command of Jesus to carry His gospel into all the world.
Benjamin Franklin said, “A man who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” There is no excuse for disobedience.
We Are Called To Sow Seed In Unlikely Places— And Leave The Results To God. We’re Not Called To Judge The Condition Of The Soil.
The psalmist said, “He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:6). A harvest awaits. Ignore the wind and the rain, and the logic that would sideline you. Sow the seeds entrusted to your care.
Father, help us to be faithful in planting Your Word and Your love into the lives of all those around us.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.