A Prayer to Trust God for the Harvest
By Victoria Riollano
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9
Only 3 months in, it was clear we had run out of money.
Years ago, my family and I decided to make a bold move and follow God’s call to be church planters. It was exciting to build a team of believers to win souls in our local community. With so few church options in our town, we were enthusiastic about how God could build His church from the ground up. Yet, we realized very quickly that none of this could be done without finances. From filing paperwork with the state to be a legitimate business to securing a location, to microphones, to supplies for children’s ministry, we would need to come up with the finances to launch the church. Fortunately, those on the team and a few ministries came together and we were able to have everything we needed. Although our set up was simple and inexpensive, it was exactly enough. However, with few members giving and no large organization providing monthly support, it was clear we couldn’t sustain the cost of rent, let alone the other supplies. Only three months in, it was clear the church was set to close.
My husband and I were heartbroken as we shared the news with our freshly started congregation and the facility we were renting from. Years of dreaming and planning had culminated into what felt like a failure. Yet, over and over again, I couldn’t help but remember my favorite verse that says, “do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.” So, we continued to run the ministry as best we could knowing the end was in sight. But God, in true fashion showed up. Days before the church was set to close, the rental facility cut the price in half and we received a large unexpected donation that covered the rental fee for four months. In a matter of hours, we went from a closing church to one that had an excess of resources. Hallelujah!
The Lord reminded me that He was still a provider. He was still faithful. He was still able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask or think.
You see, when Paul wrote the words, “Let us not become weary” he had already been ministering the gospel for over a decade. He had already taken several journeys where he had proclaimed the gospel and helped to establish regions of believers to come together as the Church. Thus, this word of not growing weary was real to him. He didn’t have the privilege of pressing Facebook “live” to preach to the masses or traveling by car or plane to minister. Many scholars believe he would have had to travel 10,000 miles by foot in his lifetime. But, he was willing to do it because he knew that the harvest would be worth it. He knew that he had to follow the calling of the Lord with all his heart, soul, and strength, even when it was difficult. Clearly, believers are still reaping the benefits of Paul not giving up! With over half of the New Testament being written by him, we are reminded that God rewards our ability to show up with grit for His glory.
Today, I want to encourage you, let’s not grow weary! May we trust God in every area of our lives. He will certainly show up for us right when we need it. He is a promise keeper and one who still blesses his people. May we trust God for the harvest of our work.
Let’s pray:
Lord, I thank you for who you are. I praise you for remaining with me through it all. There are times when giving up feels like my only option. I thank you for sending people and even reminding me in your word of the great reward of staying faithful. Help me to be resilient and trust in you. Show me how to trust you and expect a great harvest. I thank you that you are good, and you are using every hard trial as a testimony. Thank you for writing my story. I praise you for your presence in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©SalemDesign/BethanyPyle
Victoria Riollano is a mother of eight, veteran spouse, Psychology professor, and doctoral student, Victoria has learned the art of balancing family and accomplishing God’s ultimate purpose for her life. Victoria holds an MA in Child Psychology and is the author of two books- The Victory Walk: A 21-Day Devotional on Living a Victorious Life and Warrior Mother: Equipping Your Heart to Fight for Your Family’s Faith. When she is not writing, you can find her serving in her local church as the pastor’s wife, worship leader, and youth pastor. Ultimately, she desires to empower women to live a life of victory, hope, and love. You can connect with Victoria at www.victoryspeaks.org and on social media at Victory Speaks by Victoria Riollano on Facebook and @myvictoryspeaks on Instagram.
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