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6 Practical Ways to Grow Spiritually and Reap Rewards

Discover Faith’s Harvest

Genesis 8:22 states, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease” (ESV). This promise, made by God after the flood, assures us of the continuity and reliability of the natural order. It is a commitment to the regular cycles of life and nature, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to sustain the world He created.

And, this promise has spiritual implications. Just as the natural cycles are dependable, so are the spiritual principles God has established. The assurance of seedtime and harvest reflects the principle of sowing and reaping in our lives. When we sow seeds of faith, love, and righteousness, we can trust that there will be a spiritual harvest in due time. God’s promise in Genesis 8:22 encourages us to live with faith and hope, knowing that He is faithful to sustain both the natural and spiritual order.

In the context of the harvest of faith, this promise emphasizes that the spiritual seeds we sow will indeed produce a harvest in due time just as much as a natural seed you put into the ground. When we sow seeds of faith through actions such as prayer, trust in God, and obedience to His Word, we can be confident that these seeds will eventually bring a bountiful spiritual harvest, which includes spiritual growth, answered prayers, peace, joy, blessings, and eternal rewards, mirroring the natural cycles of planting and harvesting.

Just as He ensures the regularity of the seasons, He is equally faithful to fulfill His promises to all of us who live by faith.

As we remain steadfast in our faith, we can trust that God will bring forth a harvest from the seeds we plant in our spiritual lives. Despite any challenges or uncertainties we face, His principles remain constant, and His promise of a harvest for those who sow in faith is sure.

Sowing and Reaping

The biblical principle of sowing and reaping is a fundamental spiritual law woven throughout Scripture, illustrating how our actions and decisions yield corresponding outcomes. Galatians 6:7-8 says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (ESV). Here, the apostle Paul emphasizes that our choices—whether driven by selfish desires or by the Spirit—result in consequences that reflect their nature. Just as a farmer cannot expect to harvest wheat if he sows thorns, we cannot expect positive results from negative actions.

This principle extends beyond tangible actions to encompass our attitudes, words, and faith. In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), shared how the type of soil in which the seed falls determines the harvest. The seed represents God’s Word, and the different soils symbolize the conditions of our hearts. A heart receptive to God’s word, like good soil, will produce an abundant harvest of spiritual fruit. Conversely, a hardened heart, like rocky or thorny soil, will yield little to no spiritual growth.

Nurturing our spiritual lives with faith, obedience, and love ensures a fruitful harvest that glorifies God and benefits others.

Ultimately, the principle of sowing and reaping underscores the importance of intentional living. By choosing to sow seeds of kindness, faith, and righteousness, we align ourselves with God’s will and experience the blessings of His promises. This spiritual law assures us that our efforts, when guided by the Spirit, are not in vain but contribute to a harvest of eternal significance.

Spiritual Growth

One of the most significant aspects of the harvest of faith is spiritual growth. When you nurture your relationship with God, you deepen your understanding of His love, grace, and purpose for your life. This growth is a continuous process, strengthening your spirit and aligning your heart with God’s will.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7 NLT).

Consider the life of David. From his days as a shepherd boy to becoming the king of Israel, David’s faith in God grew steadily. His psalms reflect his deepening relationship with God, his reliance on God’s strength, and his unwavering trust, despite the many challenges he faced.

Some practical ways you can grow your faith:

  • Set aside time each day to read the Bible and pray. Start with the Psalms, reflecting on how David expressed his faith and relationship with God.
  • Keep a journal to document your spiritual journey, noting answered prayers, insights from scripture, and moments of growth.
  • Join a Bible study group to grow in faith alongside others, share insights, and learn from their experiences.

Answered Prayers

Faith leads you to pray with confidence, believing that God hears and answers your prayers according to His will. This is a powerful aspect of the harvest of faith, where you witness God’s responses and provisions in your life.

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us” (1 John 5:14 ESV).

Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel is a beautiful picture of answered prayer. Childless and deeply distressed, Hannah prayed fervently for a child, promising to dedicate him to the Lord. God heard her prayer and blessed her with Samuel, who became a great prophet. Her faith and prayer were met with God’s gracious answer, illustrating the harvest of her faith through answered prayers.

Some practical ways you can pray in faith:

  • Create a list of specific prayers, noting the date and any relevant scripture. Review it regularly and update it with answered prayers.
  • Find a prayer partner to share your requests with and pray for each other regularly.
  • Always thank God for His answers, whether they align with your expectations or not. Trust that He knows what is best for you.

Peace and Joy

Two of the most beautiful fruits of faith is the peace and joy that comes from trusting in God. His peace surpasses all understanding and guards your heart and mind, even in the midst of life’s storms.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).

Paul and Silas, while imprisoned, demonstrated remarkable peace and joy. Despite their dire situation, they prayed and sang hymns to God. Their faith led them to experience God’s peace, which also affected the other prisoners and the jailer, eventually leading to his conversion (Acts 16:25-34). Faith can bring peace and joy even in the most challenging circumstances.

Practical Ways to Experience Peace and Joy:

  • Start a daily practice of listing things you are grateful for. This shifts your focus from worry to thankfulness.
  • Incorporate worship music into your daily routine to uplift your spirit and remind you of God’s presence.
  • Practice mindfulness and meditation on Scripture, focusing on verses that speak of God’s peace and promises.

Impact on Others

Your faith doesn’t just affect your own life; it also has a powerful impact on those around you. When others see the fruit of your faith, they are often inspired and encouraged to seek a relationship with God themselves.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 ESV).

Look at the faith of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. His unwavering belief that Jesus could heal his servant, even from a distance, amazed Jesus and inspired many around him. Jesus commended his faith, and his servant was healed that very hour. The centurion’s faith resulted in a miracle and showcased the power of faith to others.

You can impact others:

  • Share your story of how God has worked in your life with others.
  • Give acts of kindness and service, demonstrating God’s love in practical ways.
  • Mentor someone who is new to the faith, guiding them and sharing your experiences to help them grow.

Blessings and Provision

God promises to take care of the needs of all who choose to trust Him. The harvest of faith includes experiencing His provision in various aspects of your life, whether it’s in your health, finances, or relationships.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV).

Elijah’s experience with the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) is a remarkable story of God’s provision. Despite her dire situation, the widow acted in faith, providing food for Elijah. In return, God miraculously provided for her and her son throughout the drought, with His abundant provision in response to faith.

Practical To Dos for Blessing and Provision:

  • Create a budget that reflects your trust in God’s provision, including tithing and generosity.
  • Regularly pray for God’s provision, trusting Him to meet your needs.
  • Practice good stewardship of the resources God provides, using them wisely and with gratitude.

Eternal Rewards

Ultimately, the faith’s harvest includes the promise of spending eternity with God. This is the greatest reward of all, where your faith lays up treasures in heaven, ensuring everlasting joy and fellowship with your Creator.

“Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20 NLT).

Abraham, often called the father of faith, believed God’s promises, even when they seemed impossible. His faith was credited to him as righteousness, and he became the father of many nations. His ultimate reward is the eternal covenant God made with him, impacting generations to come (Genesis 12:1-3; Romans 4:16-22).

Ways you can sow toward eternal rewards:

  • Regularly remind yourself of the eternal perspective, focusing on heavenly rewards rather than earthly gains.
  • Memorize Scriptures that speak of eternal life and God’s promises, keeping them close to your heart.
  • Live in a way that leaves a legacy of faith for future generations, investing in things that have eternal significance.

Each step of faith you take, no matter how small, contributes to this beautiful tapestry of God’s work in your life. As you sow seeds of faith through trust and obedience, you will experience the abundant harvest that God promises.

Reflect on your own faith journey and consider the ways you can continue to sow seeds of faith daily, whether that’s some of the suggestions you find here, or ideas the Holy Spirit guides you to do. Trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful and His harvest is always bountiful. As you live by faith, you will see the incredible ways God moves in your life and the lives of those around you, bringing glory to His name and joy to your heart.

Embrace the journey and look forward to the harvest of faith that awaits you.