Cause and Effect

By Cheri Cowell –

Cause and effect is a principle we learn early in school. We quickly learned, for instance, if we do not put in the study time, we will not affect a good grade. In science classes, we learn that when cumulonimbus clouds form, the effect is showers and thunderstorms. At home, many of us learned that following Mom and Dad’s rules had the effect of a happy home, and likewise, if we bucked them, we affected a stormy home life. This principle is so ingrained in our minds that when the cause and effect are turned around, our world is not as it should be. We see this played out when bad things happen to good people, when children get diseases, when we reap what we do not sow. But, this is exactly what Christ was telling His disciples—and this was God’s plan.

Jesus pointed towards the hills filled with the Samaritans coming to see this Miracle Man, and He said to his disciples, “The fields are ready for harvest.” This must have been startling news to these Jews because the Samaritans were hated. But then Jesus said something even more confusing, He told them they would now harvest what they did not sow and this was God’s plan. Really? Others, He said, have done the hard work and now you will reap the benefits. Are you and I willing to sow so others might someday reap?

PRAYER: Thank You, God, for the work You have done to sow the harvest. Thank You for the generous blessing of being made a part of that harvest. Help me to be willing to also put in the hard work of sowing the fields with no results so that others may someday reap the harvest they have not sown.

“Therefore said the disciples one to another, ‘hath any man brought him ought to eat?’ Jesus saith unto them, ‘My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours’” (John 4:33-38 KJV).

Today’s devotion is by Cheri Cowell, who writes and speaks on topics of Christian discipleship. In addition to her books and articles, you can learn about her speaking ministry and sign up to receive her daily devotional at: www.CheriCowell.com