God Gives the Increase: Trusting God for the Harvest
For Every Season, There’s a Sower
We’ve talked about planting the seed—starting spiritual conversations that open the door. We’ve talked about watering—living a consistent life that reflects Jesus and keeps that door open. But at the end of the day, there’s one more truth we must hold tightly: only God gives the increase.
No amount of passion, persuasion, or programming can bring someone to Christ unless God is at work. That truth isn’t discouraging—it’s freeing. It reminds us that while we are called to be faithful, God alone transforms hearts.
“I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NLT)
The Mystery of Salvation
Jesus made it clear in John 6:44:
“For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.”
This isn’t a process we can manufacture or manipulate. Salvation is a work of God from beginning to end. It is:
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Initiated by the Father’s call
“For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.” — John 6:44
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Convicted by the Holy Spirit
“And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.” — John 16:8
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Completed only through Christ
“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” — John 14:6
We don’t save people—God does. Our job is to love, to pray, to reflect, and to share. He does the growing.
The Holy Spirit’s Role
When we think of someone we love who isn’t walking with Jesus, our instinct is often to “convince” them. But real salvation is not intellectual agreement—it’s spiritual rebirth. And that begins with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit:
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Reveals sin.
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Opens blind eyes.
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Awakens hearts to their need for a Savior.
That’s not something we can do—but we can be vessels God uses in the process.
Praying with Power and Purpose
We often pray for our lost friends and family—but are we praying the right way?
Don’t just pray from your head. Pray from your heart.
Here’s a framework:
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Pray for God to draw them
“For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.” — John 6:44
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Pray for the Holy Spirit to open their eyes
“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.” — 2 Corinthians 4:4
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Pray for faith to arise
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” — Ephesians 2:8
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Pray with urgency
On July 3, 2024, over 120 people in Kerrville, Texas, went to sleep unaware that floodwaters were coming. Many thought they had more time.
Let that be a wake-up call. We must stop assuming we have “someday.”
People don’t need our polished words. They need our desperate prayers.
And don’t forget: prayer without action is just a hope.
Ask God to use you—and then look for the door He opens.
As the old saying goes:
“Faith is not praying for rain. It’s carrying an umbrella.”
Living with Peaceful Urgency
This isn’t about pressure. It’s about peace in knowing that the burden isn’t yours to carry, but the opportunity is yours to seize.
You plant. You water. God brings the increase.
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
Your obedience and example matters. Your prayers matter.
And God is working, even when you can’t see it.
Trust the Process. Trust the One Who Grows.
Whether you’re still planting seeds or faithfully watering, never forget: God brings the harvest. Rest in His power, walk in His calling, and pray like someone’s eternity depends on it—because it might.
🌱 Ready to Keep Growing?
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