Sowing Beside All Waters by Mrs. H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 28, 1916

Sowing Beside All Waters

By Mrs. H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins

MRS. H. E. SAWYER-HOPKINS

He who gave this last message of mercy has commissioned the humble and faithful among his servants to carry the words of life to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. It is to be presented in every country, city, and town; in the byways, hedges, and wherever darkness and error reign. Relatives and friends are not to be passed by,—it matters not whether they are near by or far away,—and we should not forget the companions of our youthful days, for possibly we could reach them more readily than strangers.

Let us persevere in sowing “beside all waters,” even though at times we may see no fruit of our labor; for we know not which shall prosper, this or that. We may always claim the promise of the Lord, “My word . . . shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” It is also a comfort and strength to know that heavenly angels are sent to coöperate with human instrumentalities, for nothing can be accomplished in winning souls without divine help.

We cannot all go to foreign fields, but there are opportunities for gospel work on every side. Scattered throughout our country are thousands from distant lands who do not know of Christ’s soon coming; and in our zeal to serve the Master, let us not forget that to each has been given his appointed work, and “not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.” Some may be called to work in a public way; others must be content to serve in the humbler walks of life. But giving a cup of cold water, speaking a kind word, helping the sick, comforting the sorrowing, are just as acceptable to the Master as the preaching of a sermon, for each is bidden to serve “according to his ability.”

The heart of the true, loyal Christian will be so filled with love for the Master that there will be no room for criticism, coldness, or bitterness, and he can say, “Anywhere, any time, anything, for the Son of God and the sons of men.”

Loma Linda, Cal.