Ecclesiastes 11-12

“In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” (Ecclesiastes 11:6, NKJV)

In Hebrews 11 we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God. It is only by faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved from our sins. It is only by faith that we receive God’s blessings. Therefore, the Lord is always seeking to grow and strengthen our faith. How often He said to His disciples, “O you of little faith.”

Often faith is expressed by the risks we are willing to take. If we could see how it will all work out, then it wouldn’t require faith. However we define success, it is the combination of faith and diligence. We cast our bread upon the waters not knowing what will happen next. But if we diversify our investment by giving a serving to seven or eight, then we will find a profit after many days.

If we gaze at the wind, then we will not sow. If we fear the clouds, then we will not reap. As we don’t know where the wind comes from or where it goes, so we cannot discern the works of God. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts.

So what do we do? By faith we sow our seed in the morning, and in the evening we do not withhold our hand from doing good. One thing may gain and another may lose. Or perhaps both things will prosper. We would like a formula for infallible success, but no such formula exists. If there is a formula, it is simply to believe in God and obey His commandments. After many days and numerous trials and setbacks, you will prosper.

“If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Luke 12:28, NKJV)