Amen预览

FAITH LIKE POTATOES

On this final day of the study, Angus again holds before us the message that what starts by faith in Christ must continue by faith in Him. Faith may look foolish to the world, but calm trust in God, under His guidance, eventually amazes the unbelieving world. Our faith is required, but what God does makes all the difference. 

The world admires common sense, the shared wisdom of centuries. In Angus Buchan’s neighborhood, the farmers understand the seasons by long experience and tradition. 

The farmers know exactly when it’s prudent to plant and when it isn’t. They know the signs of drought and plan accordingly. 

As they say about financial investments, past experience and performance is not completely indicative of future results. Common sense will usually give us a safe set of plans, but people who persist in following God and His guidance often receive an additional deposit of His understanding. 

The story of Angus and his potato crop is a great example of one man’s willingness to place his faith in God and go against local practices in his community in an effort to honor God. 

A lesson from Angus 

It’s so good to know that God is our provider. Galatians 6:9 says that if we do not grow tired in doing good, if we persevere, we will reap a good harvest. The very first crop that we ever planted here at Shalom was a potato crop. The people in the area were so worried about us on this farm. We had no irrigation and in this part of Africa you need irrigated land for potatoes. You don’t grow potatoes on dry land. 

My neighbor came over and asked me to please reconsider, because the area usually has a drought spell right in the middle of the growing season. He was afraid that I wouldn’t have a crop, but God had told me specifically that by faith I should plant my crop. That horrible drought was prophesied, but I refused to accept it. I said that I am a child of God, I am going to plant a potato crop on dry land and I am believing God for a miracle. 

Well, you know what happened? We had a bumper crop that defied all expectation. I think people were more excited about that small crop of potatoes than about anything else – everybody had heard about the ludicrous plans that we were putting in place here at Shalom. Yet when we harvested that crop, there were huge potatoes coming out of the ground. God is good. He supplies our needs. 

Now I am not saying that we must be foolish or that we must not take council from experienced people. I am not saying that at all, especially to young people. But when you get a direct word from the Lord – “I will supply your needs” – and you feel in your spirit that you have peace and that you must go ahead and step out in faith, then you must do it. That is what we did. 

Reflection Question: Galatians 6:9 | Awaited harvest 

When was the last time you were in danger of becoming weary in doing good? How do you prevent weariness? 

Memory Verse - Galatians 6:9 

Heavenly Father, we rejoice today in Your faithfulness. May our lives be pleasing before You. Give us listening ears and receptive hearts. May we have the courage to respond to Your faith invitation before us. Give us the strength to endure so that we may complete the course You have called us to. Through our lives may Jesus’ name be lifted up and Your kingdom extended. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A word from Pastor Jackson 

That is my invitation to you as we close this Bible study. You choose to believe God. Put on the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness and take up the shield of faith (see Ephesians 6:14-17). Step out and trust God. You can change a family, a community, an office, a neighborhood. With God’s grace, we can impact a nation for Jesus. God loves you. You can trust in Him. 

The content for this study was adapted from AMEN BIBLE STUDY by Angus Buchan published by Christian Art Publishers. 

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