“‘Do you not say, “Four months more and then the harvest”? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.’” –John 4:35 (NIV)
We seem to be experts in the field of procrastination. For almost every activity under the sun we would put it off if it meant enjoying the short term pleasure of undisturbed idleness. Our excuses for our sloth vary. Amid claims of not being ready and that there is plenty of time to do what we must, we wait whilst we resolve to act when we feel that the time is right. But how often does that moment never come? Our laziness prevents us from acting decisively when it is required of us. By the time we realize the urgency of the task we have been called to carry out it may perhaps be already too late, and we lament over missed opportunities and our own unwillingness to strike while the iron was hot.
In our own spiritual lives we often suffer from the same malady. How often do we make excuses before God; claiming that while we are willing to do what He says, we do not feel that it would be ideal at this time. But who are we to make such excuses? Do we see what He sees? Do we presume to know better than omnipotent God by our attitudes? In His flawless wisdom He knows exactly when we should act in accordance with His perfect will. When we have the Spirit of Christ residing within us, He will prompt us; telling us that the harvest is now. Yet if we refuse to listen to the Spirit’s promptings and live according to our excuses, we are essentially cheating ourselves out of the joys and blessings which come when we walk in obedience to Christ. When we allow Christ to open our eyes and step out in obedience to Him, our insecurities and apprehensions will fade away. We will be strengthened by the fact that He will provide us with all we need to reap His harvest in our lives and the world around us.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
