Sowing and Reaping by F. W. Paap

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 18, 1915

Sowing and Reaping

By F. W. Paap

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6. This command is clear and plain, but how many there are who say, “Well, if I could only see some fruit for my labor.” But that is not the question. We are to sow the seed, and it is God who will in his own good time and way give the increase. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Ps. 126:5. The blessed ministry is to be done in faith, yes, with an increased faith. We are not to become weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. See Gal. 6:9.

We must not expect to see tomorrow the full fruition of our services rendered today. The man who plants his fields knows that it will take some time before the full development of the grain, and the harvest time. We are told that the harvest is the end of the world. Let us ever bear this in mind, and labor while it is day. There will be many and great surprises in that day, the day of final reward. Full credit will be given to every worker. Many of the little things of life, the simple ministries, will then be seen to have been the most effective. We must sow with a liberal, unstinted hand; for if we sow sparingly, we shall also reap sparingly. See 2 Cor. 9:6.

When the last great harvest is gathered in, the sheaves that we are enabled to bring to the Master will be the recompense of our unselfish ministry. A full account is kept by the heavenly watchers. Not even a cup of cold water, given in loving sympathy, will lose its reward.

“There are many to whom life is a painful struggle; they feel their deficiencies, and are miserable and unbelieving; they think they have nothing for which to be grateful. Kind words, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would be to many a struggling and lonely one as the cup of cold water to a thirsty soul. A word of sympathy, an act of kindness, would lift burdens that rest heavily upon weary shoulders. And every word or deed of unselfish kindness is an expression of the love of Christ for lost humanity.”—“Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,” page 40.

The following words should encourage every believer in this great reformatory movement, this great awakening, that is already taking place: “Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth, there will be, among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon his children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and his Word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time, to prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it, by introducing a counterfeit.”—“The Great Controversy,” page 464.

Now is the time, with courage, with a living faith, with glorious anticipations, to give the definite message, the third angel’s message, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. We must put on the whole armor that we may be able to stand. See Eph. 6:10-18. “Let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:9.

“Help somebody today, somebody along life’s way; Let sorrows be ended, the friendless befriended, O, help somebody today!” F. W. Paap.