Marketplace Christians

“While the earth remains, seed-time and harvest, cold and heat,
summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Genesis 8:22

Our home sits in the middle of what was once a hayfield. Although there are now several houses, I still see plenty of tall, green grass out my windows. Because of the abundant rains, the farmers are cutting several weeks earlier than usual. As I’ve watched the grasses grow taller and taller, the Spirit has prompted me that a spiritual harvest is also ready around me, and much earlier than expected. It is time to gather in what God has caused to grow.

When we think of harvesting in the spiritual sense, we often envision going to foreign mission fields, or at least having the gift of evangelism rise up within us. We may picture standing on street corners, passing out tracts, and leading strangers in prayer of salvation. While these are all very legitimate places of harvest, the picture is so much broader. Just as there are many tasks that need to be done during harvest-time on a farm, so it is in the kingdom of God.

On larger farms and ranches, different people are assigned different jobs. Some drive tractors, some drive trucks, and some repair machinery and keep things running smoothly. Some of the crop is kept and stored for personal use while some is shipped off to distant places. Behind the scene, food is being prepared for tired and hungry workers. Everyone gets involved, but in different ways.

In the kingdom of God, there is a strategic necessity to listen to and obey the Holy Spirit. This concept is so very important when it comes to bringing in God’s harvest. We must follow our Master’s instructions, or we may waste a lot of valuable time trying to do what others are already doing–or even doing something that is not necessary for this season. Where is our place? What is our task? And what field is ready today?

You may be right in the middle of your field and don’t even realize it. Maybe you are confused, believing the Spirit is leading you to do something that doesn’t seem to fit into the traditional structures or mindsets around you. This is not an encouragement to go off and do something in left field all by yourself, but rather to find that unique, specific place in the kingdom that Christ made you for.

God is so huge and so magnificent. He thought of each of us long before we were conceived. Then he began to plant and nurture desires in our hearts even as children. He put people and circumstances into our lives to reveal to us our gifts and talents, our interests and passions. Our Father has focused much time, love, and wisdom on each of us that all the earth would be filled with his glory. May our eyes and hearts be open to see our position in this season.

Amazed and inspired by these words of truth? Continue down the path of encouragement with God’s Chosen Dwelling Place

Amy Layne Litzelman is passionate about knowing God more intimately in each moment and helping others do the same. Amy released her first book, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship, in 2011. She has also composed over seventy songs, recorded four CDs, and traveled to teach and lead worship across the United States and in the Philippines and China. She and her husband, Matt, live in Jackson Hole, WY and have two adult sons.

Learn more about gifted faith writer Amy Layne Litzelman