Devotions/Partners
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (KJV) “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”
COMMENTARY: We all know DREAMERS. “Some day, I’m going to do this or that,” they say. In the meantime, they sit and watch waiting for all of the economic clouds to disappear and for the timing to be “perfect.” Time goes by, but they never put their hands to the plow and sow any seeds. Because they don’t sow, they don’t reap, which in turn leads them down the road to poverty. In the meantime, other people who are DOERS see the same clouds in the same sky, take the initiative to sow anyway, and reap the rewards.
APPLICATION: Don’t let intellectualism, laziness or fear hinder or stunt your business. Clouds will always be in the sky (literally and figuratively) because we live in a fallen, sinful world full of uncertainty, chaos and storms. You and I are to walk by faith and not by sight!
A preoccupation with strategic plans can cloud your perspective, because you’ll miss the very opportunities God is giving you TODAY to sow seeds for future business. Beware of the paralysis of analysis.
There will always a cloud full of excuses why you can’t, or shouldn’t, launch that promotion or make those sales calls today. But the simple reality is, you have a business to run. Your business needs business to stay in business. Business won’t come in the door unless you’re actively marketing and prospecting. In order to reap, you must sow.
The Lord has taught me that it’s wise to continuously take the initiative and sow seeds today, instead of holding off until the time is “perfect.” Some of the most successful promotions we’ve implemented have been during times when you’re not “supposed” to do promotions. We are faithful in promoting the business year-round, regardless of the clouds, and we’ve reaped the rewards.
To conclude: take the initiative today! Even if you don’t “feel” like it, or it looks like a bad day, do it and watch God bless your faithfulness.
Joyfully yours,
Drew
For Further Exploration
For further exploration about Nehemiah 13:8 (KJV)，read Restoration of Covenant Life, Phase Two: Ezra and Nehemiah Together (Nehemiah 8:1-13:31) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.
