Sowing in the Rain: Faithful Preparation for the Harvest
Sowing in the Rain: Faithful Preparation for the Harvest
Introduction
Podcast Title: Sowing in the Rain
Date: December 2024
Speaker: Pastor Jerry Lee Simmons
This blog post is based on a sermon delivered at 238 Church. It explores the biblical principles of sowing seeds of faith, even in challenging circumstances, as we prepare for the spiritual harvest God has promised. The message emphasizes trusting God’s timing and provision, illustrated through scriptural references and agrarian metaphors that resonate deeply with our spiritual walk.
Understanding Seasons of Preparation
Joel 2:23–24 (ESV)
"Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given the early rain for your vindication; He has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before. The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil."
Key Insight: God's provision is timely and abundant. Just as the physical rain prepares the soil, the Holy Spirit prepares hearts for growth and renewal.
The agrarian culture in biblical times relied heavily on seasonal rains. In Israel, the early rains softened the soil for planting, while the latter rains ensured a fruitful harvest. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, seasons of preparation are necessary to cultivate growth and fruitfulness.
Seasons of Rain: God's Timing
Isaiah 55:10–11 (ESV)
"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty."
The sermon emphasized Israel's rainy season (November to May), divided into:
Early rains (October–November): Prepare the soil for sowing seeds.
Winter rains (January–February): Provide water for crops to grow.
Latter rains (March–April): Ensure crops reach full maturity before harvest.
Spiritual Parallel: God provides spiritual rains—moments of divine inspiration, conviction, and renewal—at key points in our lives. We must be attentive and ready to sow seeds during these seasons, even when circumstances appear unfavorable.
Jesus' Teachings on Harvest
John 4:34–35 (ESV)
"Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work. Do you not say, "There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest"? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.'"
Jesus’ words challenge us to recognize that the spiritual harvest is always ready, even if it does not appear so outwardly. Instead of delaying action, He calls us to sow in faith and trust God's provision.
Sowing in Faith Despite Conditions
Ecclesiastes 11:4–6 (ESV)
"He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper."
Key Lesson: Waiting for perfect conditions can result in missed opportunities. Faith requires action even in uncertain times. Just as farmers sow seeds during rainy seasons, believers must sow spiritual seeds during times of trial and doubt.
Lessons from the Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:3–8 (ESV)
"And he told them many things in parables, saying: 'A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.'"
Application: This parable highlights the importance of preparing the soil of our hearts. We must:
Remove distractions and hindrances that prevent growth.
Cultivate deep roots by studying God’s Word.
Persevere through challenges to bear spiritual fruit.
Spiritual Readiness for the Harvest
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up."
Mark 4:26–29 (ESV)
"The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how."
These passages remind us that growth is God’s work. Our responsibility is to plant the seeds—through prayer, outreach, and teaching—and trust God for the harvest.
Final Encouragement: Sowing in the Rain
Leviticus 26:4–5 (ESV)
"Then I will give you rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit."
The message concludes with a call to action: sow seeds even in challenging seasons. Whether it is winter rains or spiritual drought, God’s promise remains—the harvest will come.
Practical Application:
Engage in personal evangelism by sharing the Word of God with neighbors and friends.
Be persistent in prayer for the lost.
Trust God’s timing for growth and transformation.
Conclusion
As we enter 2025, let’s commit to sowing seeds of faith regardless of the conditions. Like Jesus, who saw the fields as white for harvest even during the rainy season, we must recognize the urgency of sharing the Gospel. Our role is to plant and water, but God gives the increase. Let us embrace the call to sow in the rain and trust God for the abundant harvest.
Keywords
Sowing in the Rain
Spiritual Harvest
Faith and Agriculture
End-Time Preparation
Kingdom of God
Evangelism and Outreach
Rainy Season and Growth
Parable of the Sower
For more messages and teachings, visit 238 Church Podcast Series.
