Harvest Time: Bearing Fruit in God’s Timing
Good morning from Anchored in Hope! The water is calm today, and the sun stretches its golden fingers across the horizon, warming the deck beneath my feet. It’s one of those mornings that reminds me how seasons shift—not just in the sky, but in life.
Out here on the water, I’ve learned to pay attention to the signs—when the wind shifts, when the tide turns, when it’s time to move and when it’s time to wait. It’s not so different from how God works in our lives. There are seasons when we sow, trusting that He sees the unseen work. And then there are seasons when He calls us to harvest – to gather the fruit of what’s been planted, to step into His promises. But just like in sailing, knowing when to move is just as important as knowing how to move.
A season of harvest is a time of fulfilment – a time when the seeds sown in faith begin to bear fruit. It’s a season of seeing God’s promises unfold, yet it comes with its own responsibilities.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse speaks of perseverance. The harvest doesn’t come overnight. It comes after seasons of planting, watering, and waiting. Sometimes, we grow tired and wonder if the fruit will ever come, but God assures us that the harvest is sure in His timing.
John 15:5 reminds us of the source of our fruit: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Even in the season of harvest, we must stay connected to Christ. The fruit we bear is not our own doing but the result of abiding in Him. When God brings us into a season of reaping, we must steward His blessings with humility, generosity, and continued dependence on Him.
Recognising the Time of Harvest
Not every season is a harvest season, and discernment is needed to recognise when God is bringing an increase. Here are a few signs that indicate it is time to harvest:
- Fruit is Evident: You begin to see tangible results from years of faithful labour. Doors open, prayers are answered, and opportunities arise that align with God’s promises.
- Others Are Fed by Your Work: A true harvest is not just personal; it overflows to others. If your calling or ministry is blessing, equipping, and uplifting those around you, it’s a sign that you are in a reaping season.
- God Provides Strength for the Work: Harvesting is labour-intensive, and in due time, God gives the endurance and wisdom needed to gather what He has grown.
What to Do in the Harvest Time
A harvest is not meant to be wasted or hoarded. It requires action and stewardship:
- Give Generously: Just as farmers set aside a portion of their harvest for others, we are called to share the blessings God has given us.
- Store Wisely: Proverbs 21:20 reminds us that “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Not every blessing is for immediate consumption; some must be reserved for future seasons.
- Prepare for the Next Planting: A harvest signals both an end and a beginning. The seeds from the current harvest must be sown for future growth. What you reap now may need to be reinvested in ministry, relationships, or spiritual growth.
Accountability in the Harvest Season
A harvest is not just about reaping rewards—it’s about being accountable for how we handle God’s abundance. We must remember:
- The Harvest Belongs to the Lord: Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Everything we gain is ultimately His, and we are stewards, not owners.
- We Must Give an Account: Luke 12:48 states, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Harvest seasons bring increased responsibility to use blessings wisely and not let them lead us into pride or complacency.
- God Provides Far More Than We Deserve: In any harvest, the gain is always greater than what was sown. The work of our hands is nothing compared to what God multiplies. Acknowledge His grace and sovereignty in every blessing received.
Harvest time is a divine appointment, a season of witnessing God’s faithfulness. Yet, with abundance comes responsibility – to discern, steward, and give in a way that honors Him. Just as I watch the tides and adjust my sails, I’ve learned that a season of harvest requires attentiveness to God’s leading. If I hoard what He has given, I become stagnant; if I give recklessly, I may not have enough to plant for the next season. Wisdom is knowing how to balance both.
As we enter into seasons of reaping, may we do so with hearts full of gratitude, hands ready to serve, and eyes fixed on the One who is the true Lord of the harvest. Because in the end, it was never about what we planted—it was always about what He grew.
Are you in a harvest season? Then pause – breathe it in. This is holy ground. The prayers you’ve wept over, the faith you’ve fought for, the waiting you’ve endured – this is the fruit. But harvest isn’t just about gathering; it’s about stewarding. So I ask you, woman of God, how are you tending what He’s placed in your hands? May you not only reap but honour the Giver with every seed, every bundle, every yes.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I stand before You, grateful for the season You have brought me into. You are the Lord of the harvest, the One who plants, waters, and brings forth fruit in Your perfect timing. Thank You for the seeds of faith You have allowed me to sow, even in times of uncertainty.
Lord, as I step into this season of reaping, help me to recognize the blessings You have placed before me. Give me discernment to see the harvest for what it is – an opportunity to glorify You, to serve others, and to prepare for what lies ahead. Keep my heart humble, my hands open, and my spirit willing to give generously, just as You have so freely given to me.
Help me not to grow weary in the work but to find strength in You. May I abide in You, the true Vine, knowing that apart from You, I can do nothing. Teach me to steward well the gifts and increase You have provided, using them wisely and storing up treasures not just for this life, but for eternity.
Let my harvest be a testimony of Your faithfulness. May others see Your goodness through the fruit You have produced in my life and be drawn to You. And Lord, when this season passes, help me to trust that You are already preparing the next – guiding me to sow again in faith, knowing that You will bring forth another harvest in due time.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
