Time to Plow

When I was a little girl, my grandpa used a plow like in the picture here. He would work the ground and get his seed in with it. There were times that when he was working he would really be plowing hard and you could see it was tough work to get the land ready to put the seed in the ground so that the harvest could come. Then there would be other times that it seemed so easy once the ground had been worked some.

I was talking with a dear friend and mentor this evening about this and I said something that was like, “Whoa, where did that come from?” We were talking of how some in the church labor so hard and feel like they have to do everything all the time. There are some pastors that will push some into areas that need filled and yet those that are being pushed are not called. Thankfully, the areas I have served have been areas that have been in my heart.

One thing my friend said was that we are laboring without results and God’s going to take us to that place of laboring in joy in seeing a great harvest. To which I responded, ” It does not have to be a plowing all the time. There are rains and harvest also. If it ain’t your plow, don’t put your hand to it. There are certain plows you are anointed to push.”

I would like to elaborate a little on that if I may. You see, God has anointed each of us to put our hand on our own plow. You were created to carry out certain things in His Kingdom. Jer. 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew^[a] you, before you were born I set you apart;  I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” So God had plans for Jeremiah even before he was born.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God know what He created you for! I don’t know about you, but to me that is amazingly wonderful news! I was not a mistake. I was a perfectly executed plan! I have a purpose! And so do you! You are a plow pusher. My advise, push your own plow that He has created you to push.

We can put our hands to so many plows called programs and we will have to push and bear down and strive. But Jesus said that His burden is easy and His yoke is light.

There are times of plowing, don’t get me wrong there. But there is also times of rain when Father refreshes you and you are washed and renewed. There are times of growth where you are going to new levels. There are times of harvest where you disciple and win others. And yes, there is a time for plowing as well.

So today, step back and see what plow your hand is on. If you feel like you have too many irons in the fire, just remember, “No is an anointed word.” Sometimes, even if it feels weird at first, we have to say no, even if it is a good cause.

Here is the last point I want to make. If your hand is on someone else’s plow, you are doing the job they were created to do where they will find fulfillment and anointing to do it. I know there are times that we need to fill in to get a job done until the right person comes along to do it but when they come, allow them to step into that place that they were created for.

God Bless and Happy Harvest!