Odedeyi Emmanuel

Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NLT)

So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

I should have finished this series last week but I got busy with some things-meetings, field audit and reading some interesting books. So, in order to quickly get done with this and talk about some other things which promises to be impactful, that's why I decided to combine the last two Seasons- Growing and Harvest Seasons of Life.
I'm just writing this with excitement and I know God has something positive in mind for the reader. Be expectant!

I also want to urge you to always drop a comment on your observations, thoughts or criticism after reading any post on this blog either by clicking on the 'Comment' link below this post or 'Contact Me' up there. It makes me know how much I connect to you.

Yes, growing and harvest seasons of our lives. Being the last in the series of Understanding of Times, let me attempt a very short recap of what we've discussed so far. We first discussed Planning and Planting Seasons of Life (you can scroll down to the previous posts). I want to share with you what to do after you have set your goals and have consciously started sowing seeds, there are certain things to do in order to experience your harvest. Just like no farmer plants and goes to sleep, so also you and I cannot just sow seeds or register for a school/ professional exam or start a relationship or start a business and then go to sleep. Those who do so do not get the required harvest, if they get any at all.

The scripture above says better is the end of a matter than the beginning. God is not just interested in you starting up something and then it giving up half way or not getting the full harvest. What are the things to do to get your desired harvest? They are in no way exhaustive but I've decided to summarize then below;

Diligence

Nothing WORKS until you WORK it. Many are simply complacent. They get contented with average living. They don't see any need to push further. Diligence is one of the most important attitude needed for growth. A child who is lazy to crawl or always wants to remain at the back of the mother may never walk. It is only the diligent hand that will bear rule. God's word says a man diligent in his business will stand before kings and not with mere men. The reason why you are moving around men with people of no repute or ordinary people is because you are not diligent! I told myself sometimes ago that I will not live an ordinary life and I gave myself up to give it all takes and the results are evident already. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. A lazy man has no future. Be consciously diligent!

Perseverance

Perseverance is another attitude needed for harvest. Diligence is hardwork but perseverance is dogged, persistent and relentless hardwork. It is a steady and continued action or belief, usually over a long period and especially despite difficulties or setbacks (Thesaurus). Every successful farmer must persevere in order to harvest. It means you keeping doing what you believe in spite of the obstacles. Even if what you planted have been uprooted, replant! Isaac dug a couple of wells and continued digging until he got to his Rehoboth. Many people keep too soon. If you've done all you know to do and you don't seem to see result, persevere- keep at it. It will speak at the end. Be tenacious!

Self discipline

When the harvest eventually comes, you need to be disciplined not to allow it to get into your head. Plenty can get into one's head. It may shock you to hear that the reason why God has not answered some people is because they will backslide if He gives them what they are praying for. God will not give you what will make Him lose you. Some people can just be very undisciplined with money- they buy at impulse, no budget, no investments, just buy what they want and not what they really need. I'm not against giving yourself a treat once in a while, but don't make God see you as a prodigal son because of what He has blessed you with. Be sensitive!

Re-sow part of the harvest

This is an interesting principle. Every fruit carries its seed within it. Orange has orange seed within it, guava, mango, yam…name it. If you decide to eat all your fruit, there will be nothing to sow again which implies no future harvest. Always plough back part of your harvest back to investment. It is crucial. Also, remember to give a tenth of it to God- this is known as tithing to acknowledge Him as the source. Don't eat all, be wise!

Give Thanks

We cannot overemphasize the need to give thanks to the God who made your seed to grow in the first place. Paul plants and Apollo waters but it is God that gives the increase. Always remember, there's a hand behind everything that is moving. Consciously remember to give Him thanks to preserve the blessings. In Malachi 2:1-2, God says that those who fail to give Him glory stand the risk of being cursed even with the blessings.

When last have you taken time to give Him quality thanks. Take some time out to sincerely thank Him for your life today.

Remember, maximize this one life you have to live. The world is waiting for what you have to offer!

You are blessed!