We have a home that is was built in the 1850s or 1860s. It is a very nice farmhouse, but we have been working on it, remodeling, updating, adding on, and then redoing for 30+ years. When we moved in, the electric was severely limited, everything was covered over with paneling, drop ceilings, and rugs now it is almost done. I love completing projects. We have done a lot of similar things with the church building. There is such joy and reward when things are finished. God blesses, especially when we fight through to achieve something as well.
"You, therefore, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops." 2 Timothy 2:3-6
In past posts, I have talked about the need to be a good soldier and an athlete. Young Timothy was watching many in his church executed, run away from the church, and even the leadership he thought he could trust had abandoned him, and Paul is telling him, "Fight like a fearsome soldier, prepare and compete like a professional athlete and....Be a good farmer?" What was Paul talking about?
When Paul is talking about a hardworking farmer, the Greek word he uses means someone who does arduous labor, working to the point of physical and mental exhaustion by the sweat of his brow. Someone who keeps plodding on until the task is complete regardless of their fatigue. Paul is telling us that we must realize if we are going to reap a harvest, we must be ready to work hard and keep at it until the task is done!
There is a high reward that comes with it! God promises that anyone who works this hard is to be the first to take part in the harvest. In other words, He will bless you. In fact, the phrase "must be" is emphatic the Lord is saying if you work this hard, He is obligated to make sure you are rewarded with the first part of the harvest.
What does that mean? I'm glad you asked! Because you have worked hard to fulfill His dream for the world, He will fulfill yours. He will honor you with promotion, blessing, and recognition. Whatever it cost you in time, money, or energy. He will make sure you are rewarded in greater abundance. God recognizes your work and sacrifice, and He will not be outdone!
Don't be discouraged if the battle is intense, if the preparation and competition are severe, or if the work is backbreaking and seems unrewarding for the moment. Your harvest is coming, and it will be greater than anything you can imagine. It is just for you!
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