Seed into your harvest

I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m a horrible gardener. I simply don’t have the gift to grow anything or frankly the desire to learn. But I do understand the principle of sowing and reaping. I love to give money to my church, cars to those in need, money to the poor, and watches to friends.

The Bible admonishes us to “‘Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’” (Luke 6:38, NIV). Also, “…the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NIV) These promises are so true, and God is always faithful to His promises. I’m overwhelmed by the goodness of God. 

I discovered the secret of sowing and reaping from my friend Dr. James Marocco from Hawaii. We were having lunch together one day when he asked me a pressing question: “Paul, how much did you give to God last year?” I almost fell off my chair. No one had ever asked that question before; it seemed so personal. But I had huge respect for him, and I answered honestly, “I’m not really sure, Doc.” He then challenged me to pray about a yearly goal and try to reach it for God. That afternoon set me on a 25-year journey of crazy giving and crazy reaping. Wow!

Before that fateful day, I lived in financial fear. But after his challenge, I realized I could either be a river of blessings or a swamp. I chose to be a river, and you can, too.

God will make sure that you reap good things when you sow good seed. His Word encourages us, saying, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV) Because you are a miracle.