The Daily Devotional for Monday, November 6, 2023: Harvest of Goodness

 

The Daily Devotional
Monday, November 6, 2023

Harvest of Goodness

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 (NIV)

At just twelve years old, Ibrahim journeyed from West Africa to Italy, arriving without a grasp of the Italian language, contending with a speech impediment, and confronting the harsh reality of anti-immigrant sentiments. Yet, none of these obstacles deterred the resilient youngster. Growing into his twenties, Ibrahim's dedication blossomed into a thriving venture—a pizza shop in Trento, Italy, that soared to rank among the top fifty pizzerias worldwide.

Driven by a vision to extend a helping hand to help feed hungry children on Italian streets, Ibrahim initiated a "pizza charity," breathing new life into the Neapolitan custom of paying forward a coffee (caffè sospeso) or a pizza (pizza sospesa) to someone in need. He became a beacon of inspiration for immigrant youths, encouraging them to rise above discrimination and to persevere.

Ibrahim's unwavering determination mirrors the teachings of Paul to the Galatians about the relentless pursuit of benevolence. "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). Paul's message is clear, encouraging us to seize every opportunity to do good unto others, and particularly within our community of faith (v. 10).

Through his journey, Ibrahim emerged not just as an immigrant who surmounted language and prejudice barriers, but as an architect of goodwill, crafting sustenance into a conduit for acceptance and mutual respect. His story stands as a testament to the impact of tenacity. In our own lives, let us take inspiration from Ibrahim's story to search for chances to enact kindness. In doing so, we not only honor God's work in our persistent efforts but also reflect His glory in the ripples of goodwill we create.

As we journey through the tapestry of life, with its intricate patterns of joys and challenges, Galatians 6:9 serves as a divine whisper of encouragement, beckoning us to steadfastness and hope. In this verse, the Apostle Paul writes, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." With these words, we are invited to reflect on the constancy of God's promise and the assurance of His timing.

Reflection:

In the midst of life's toil and challenges, it can be tempting to grow weary and lose heart, especially when our efforts seem to bear little fruit. Paul's letter to the Galatians serves as a timeless reminder that perseverance is the key to reaping the blessings God has prepared for us.

The Apostle Paul understood the human tendency to seek immediate results. Yet, he calls us to a different standard—one that measures success not by quick returns but by steadfastness and fidelity to God's call. The encouragement found in Galatians 6:9 is a beacon of hope for believers, indicating that our timing is not always God's timing, and what we sow in tears, we will reap in joy if we do not give up.

Consider the farmer who toils, sowing seeds in the field. There's a season of work followed by a season of waiting. The farmer trusts that with time, sun, and rain, the seeds will grow. In much the same way, our doing good is the sowing of seeds—acts of kindness, perseverance in faith, and commitments to justice and love are planted into the sometimes unyielding soil of a fallen world. But our labor is not a gamble; it is a partnership with God's promise.

Paul's exhortation isn't merely about waiting for an eventual reward but about finding joy and purpose in the act of doing good itself. When we serve others, when we give of ourselves without the expectation of reciprocation, we align our hearts with God's heart. The good that we do then becomes a form of worship—an offering up of our lives as a living sacrifice to God.

In doing good, we mirror God's character to a world in desperate need of His love. Each act of kindness, every word of truth spoken, and every stand for justice releases a ripple effect of God's grace in the world around us. And while we may not always see the fruit of our labor, Galatians 6:9 assures us that there is indeed a proper time for a harvest.

Closing Thought:

As you move forward today, remember that you are a caretaker of God's field, called to persist in goodness, even when the ground seems barren. Do not lose heart or grow weary, for in due season you will see the fruits of your labor. Trust in God's timing and God's way, and keep your hands to the service of the Kingdom.

Questions for Personal or Group Study:

1. What good has God called you to be persistent in even when you feel weary?
2. How can you encourage someone today who may be growing tired in their well-doing?
3. What practical steps can you take to renew your strength when you feel weary in doing good?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your unwavering promise that our work is not in vain. Instill in us the virtue of perseverance and help us to trust in Your perfect timing. May we draw strength from You and not grow weary in doing good, for we look forward to the harvest of righteousness You have in store for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.