God's Harvest and Workers

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers
are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out
laborers into  his harvest.”  Matthew 9:37-38

There's a picture that comes to my head when I read Matthew 9.  Jesus went through many busy cities and villages.  He witnessed to many.  People were gathering and learning about God.  Jesus also healed many sick and broken people.  Blind men were allowed to see.  A mute was allowed to speak.  A girl was brought back to life.  So many people in need.  The ESV version describes it as people helpless like "sheep without a shepherd".  I love that description.  In so many ways, times haven't changed.  People are still scared and confused just like they were hundreds and thousands of years ago.  People are God's harvest.  And the harvest is plentiful! 

But, we must do the work.  Our harvest is God's people....which is EVERYONE!  Plus ~  the laborers are few.  We must pray for workers.  Not only that ~  we must be a worker.  We cannot expect to just let some one else do it.  We must dust our bootie off and do it ourselves.  Isn't that what Jesus did?  He didn't just tell the disciples what to do.  He showed them.  He got dirty and did the work.  He spoke to people that I'd be scared of.  He healed those I might turn away.

Who are we to chose?  Each of us know some one that is not saved.  Some of us even have family members.  It's so hard because I just want to just fix it, but knowing that I can't.  I just want to slap my brother sometimes because he just doesn't see the big picture.  (yes, I know, probably shouldn't admit that but it's still true) He still holds on to anger and his chips on his shoulders until there's no room for us in his life or his heart.  There's no room for God.  Yet, the only thing that I can do is pray for him, let my light shine, and love him through it all.  I cannot change his heart, only God can.

I believe that's why volunteering has always meant so much to me.  When I get out there, out of my comfort zone, I am part of the laborers and I rely of God to get me through.  I can show God's love through my hugs or food or kindness.  I can plant seeds in people that are looking for something to fill their lives with.  I've missed it the past few months.  :(  I really do miss it when we don't volunteer.  Kids miss it as well.  Once this place gets a little more settled, we are going to jump back in it.  Everyday could be harvest day! :)

Lord, just use me.  Use my family.  Use my home.  Let us not just wait
on the side for some one else to pick up the Cross.  Shine your light through
our imperfect, human bodies so that YOU shine...not us.  For when I am
weak, You are strong.  Let me be one of many workers in the body of Christ
that reaches out and makes a difference.