Effort Counts by David Jeremiah

TODAY'S TURNING POINT WITH DR. DAVID JEREMIAH

Effort Counts

January 20, 2018

Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow.”
Matthew 13:3

Most of the time we measure success by results. If the sports team scores higher than their opponents, we call them winners. If the salesman secures new clients, his company offers him a bonus.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 13:18-23

In the parable of the sower, we realize that if we judge strictly by mathematical results, the sower could not possibly be deemed a success, since only a fourth of the seed he sows bears fruit in the end.

We must remember, however, that it is God who makes the seeds grow. We only work on His behalf. While God has chosen to partner with His people to spread His Word, He is the one who produces results. Therefore, when we seemingly win or influence only a small proportion of those with whom we share our faith, we needn’t be discouraged. We’ve done what God has commanded us to do and can do no more.

The apostle Paul reminds us that God only wants us to be faithful and leave the results to Him.

When it comes to sharing our faith, effort really does count.

With God, saying and doing are not two things as they are with men. God will do what He has said.
Matthew Henry