“Then Isaac sowed… and grew” (Genesis 26:12-13 KJV)
Growing is the result of sowing.
Without sowing there can be no growth. Not even the opportunity for growth.
We are not the ones who determine the increase, God is, but we do determine the potential for increase.
“…neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6–7 KJV)
Sow much, reap much. The math is not difficult.
The problem many faithful-preneurs face however is the gestation period between the seed being sown, and the sprouting of ‘success’. It is all too easy to give up when things do not change within the timeframe we consider reasonable.
Sowing is sometimes lubricated with sorrow!
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” (Psalm 126:5 KJV)
Abraham waited decades for the child of promise.
Joseph took a lengthy journey from dream to destiny.
Even Jesus own journey was one of virtual obscurity for most of His adult life.
In Genesis 26, the chapter of Isaac’s life we are considering, the patriarchs harvest was remarkable and quick. Sometimes that can be the case, and we praise God when it is.
Other times the seeds fall into the soil and you’re left looking at the dirt wondering if you’re wasting our time.
How many creatives today are scratching their head wondering if the sometimes strenuous process of sowing the best they have to offer is really worth the pain?
Let me offer my opinion.
Yes, it is worth it.
Every creative contribution you make to the body of faithful creative work you will ultimately leave behind contains the potential to sprout and flourish – now and for generations to come. You may not know which seed will find its footing, but the odds increase with every bold move you make.
I love the picture painted in 1Kings 19:30:
“…take root downward, and bear fruit upward.” (2 Kings 19:30 KJV)
Roots grow in the unseen, but are absolutely essential to ensure the fruit upward can be sustained. Keep digging in, dear friend.
If one book fails, write another.
If one idea flounders, find a different way to present it.
If you consistently come with open heart and work as unto the Lord alone, it won’t be long until its not the Lord alone appreciating what you offer.
The pathway of the creative entrepreneur is not always an easy one to walk, but it is far less painful than the frustration of a creative call unrecognised and unrealised.
Consider these words from the famous hall of faith in Hebrews chapter 11. We are told:
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13 KJV)
Sometimes we can falsely label ourselves a failure because we have not seen the full manifestation of the promise (yet!). From God’s perspective, these ‘failures’ whom the world lampooned for their foolish faith, were heroes worthy of mention in His eternal word.
Don’t judge anything before the day!
Yes we’re believing for a hundredfold return in the same year we sow. Of course, we’re hoping for remarkable breakthroughs and notable miracles.
But if they don’t come on our timetable let’s not be too quick to berate ourselves. The men and women mentioned in Hebrews were not reprimanded for their lack of faith, even though they never saw the promises they carried in their hearts fully realised in their lifetime. No, they were commended, celebrated, and now stand unashamed in the presence of the Promise Giver.
And when the breakthrough comes and the ground gives way to abundant harvest and explosive growth, let’s still keep our eyes on the One who made it all possible!
