Advent Devotional: Wednesday, December 12

One sows, and another reaps. (John 4:37)

These words from Jesus' own lips should encourage us to continue on, even when we don’t see immediate results. One mark of spiritual maturity is the ability to labor knowing that some days we are only sowing seed. Look to your own testimony: how many ways and times did you hear the message of Christ before You trusted Him for your salvation? No doubt the prayers and sowing of many others worked together to bear fruit in you.

Lord, help us to remember that it will not always be our privilege to be the "midwife" of a soul newly-born into Your Kingdom. Give us grace for those days when we are doing the hard work of clearing weeds, watering and sowing seeds of Your Word.