JANUARY 31, 2018 KELUARGA ALLAH DAILY DEVOTIONAL DAY 3# Not All Harvests Happen Instantaneously
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THE SOUL Psalm 126:1-6
TODAY'S RHEMA Psalm 126:6 "Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them."
Failed, tired, and low in spirit, John Wesley returned to England towards the end of 1737. His evangelism towards the Indian tribes in North America was unfruitful, and so was his ministry in the churches of Georgia. In his crisis of faith, God renewed his spiritual understanding. Unlike the doctrine of that time, Wesley believed that salvation was available for everyone, and everyone could experience God personally. As a result, churches did not welcome Wesley.
Wesley's path had just taken an unexpected turn. Through his friend, George Whitefield, who was also considered dramatic and unqualified, Wesley was given opportunities to preach in open spaces, where everyone can gather. Hundreds of neglected lower class citizens surrendered their lives to Jesus. When his congregation became too large for him to supervise, he formed "classes" of eleven members and a leader. Despite facing numerous disputes, his movement grew rapidly, and he never slowed down. Every year, he traveled 4000 miles and delivered 40,000 sermons in his lifetime. When he passed away in 1791, his ministry produced a congregation of 114,933 people, 492 pastors, and 19 missionaries. Up till now, followers of his movement had grown to a staggering 80 million souls all around the world.
If only Wesley had given up when his ministry in Georgia failed, he would not have experienced such a great harvest. This teaches us that despite our failures in spite of our best efforts, it is no reason for us to give up. By giving up, we are losing the victory that God had prepared for us. Stay persistent and always be all out 100%. Be sure that our efforts are not in vain. If we persist, God will fight in our favor and hand us victory. REFLECTION NOT ALL of your toil will reap AN INSTANTANEOUS HARVEST, but God will GIVE YOU VICTORY if you PERSIST.
APPLICATIONS 1. What harvest are you expecting in your life? How is it going so far? 2. Why do you think you should be persistent? 3. What commitment can you make to stay persistent?
TODAY'S PRAYER "Good Father, guide me to stay persistent. Strengthen me while You mold me during my time of waiting. I believe You will give me victory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
YEARLY BIBLE READING 1 Kings 17-19
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