Thinking of my time in the Philippines I am reminded of Isaiah 55! I was sitting on Olango island, under a palm tree...praying about the Philippines and her people. My Bible calls the chapter “An Invitation to Abundant Life”. It was a word in season – not just for me as the sower of the seed...but also for a people that desperately needs the LORD.We served at Church of God, a church in Lapu-Lapu, close to Cebu city on the island of Cebu. A team from South Africa (8 people in total) came to visit us during this time – and what a blessing they were!
Physically our time in the Philippines was exhausting work, emotionally it took quite a toll...and spiritually it felt like we did not accomplish much. Half way through we as a team had to sort our hearts out – God spoke a hard word about the rebellion in our midst. The question was asked: “If the ground is tough, and the methods that the church leaders choose to minister through are being questioned – will you still be obedient to what God is asking? If you are not seeing the harvest coming in, will you still be faithful in sowing the seed?”
But man, did we sow some spiritual seeds! We visited countless houses in the poorest areas of Cebu – sharing the gospel, praying for people and inviting them to upcoming crusade...that we had to run! The crusades included a kids-program, a feeding program, an adult program and a film about salvation. We also visited 3 different schools presenting a salvation/drug campaign. In between all of this we also attended mid-week church services and Sunday services were we ministered to most of the people. One Sunday we attended 4 services...all in all it was a very busy time.
After we just recommitted again to be God’s mission for us in the Philippines there was definitely a release – it was a burden lifting experience.We stopped focussing on the results so much, but rather every individual made sure that they were obedient to what God was asking of them. The ground was still very hard, but now and again it felt like God just gave me a glimpse of the harvest coming in. For we did see some people being set free of darkness and people recommitting to God...what a privilege!
This word is what I am holding on to: So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the things for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
Just looking at nature we know that a seed has amazing potential. For it houses the potential to grow into something totally new. This is something I read recently: In Greek, the word “seed” is the word “sperma”...which makes total sense. It is the thing that brings conception and life to the situation. When the sperm and the egg meet, something happens. It is the beginning of life. It can bring change, it produces life.
How much more powerful is every seed/every piece of scripture that goes out in the hands of the Lord? We have to believe that God’s Word is powerful beyond measure. We have to have faith that when we speak His word in truth that God is able to make it grow in any heart.
What does a seed produce that has been sow in season? THE KINGDOM OF GOD! We must believe that it SHALL accomplish what it set out to do! We need to believe that the Holy Spirit is able to penetrate the hardest heart...and that there WILL be a harvest.
I want to challenge you to start speaking God’s truth and Word into the dark places and hearts around you...you might just be surprised!
Blessings*
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