Waiting for the right time? Waiting for the stars to align? — Ecclesiastes 11:1–4, 6
How often are we looking to do something of great value, but are waiting for the right opportunity, the moment that will make it really work.
Solomon rebukes us this morning with simple wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 11:1–2 (NIV84):
“1 Cast your bread upon the waters,
for after many days you will find it again.
2 Give portions to seven, yes to eight,
for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.”
We need to work with more than one idea. We need to not put all our eggs in one basket.
Ecclesiastes 11:3-4 (NIV84):
“3 If clouds are full of water,
they pour rain upon the earth…
4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant;
whoever looks at the clouds will never reap…”
We all know we need water for our seeds to germinate, but if we keep waiting for rain, we may never plant our seeds. With no planting there is no reaping.
Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NIV84):
“6 Sow your seed in the morning,
and at evening let not your hands be idle,
for you do not know which will succeed,
whether this or that,
or whether both will do equally well.”
So, Solomon says both. Sow your seeds and work with your hands. The seeds may reap a harvest and the work of your hands may turn a profit.
But stop waiting to get something done. Don’t put all your trust in one activity.
Father, help me not to procrastinate. Help me to see what it is you would have me do and help me to trust you, though I don’t see all the stars aligned.
If we want to reap a harvest, we need to plant seeds. Help us Lord to get working and start believing.
