We are grateful to Rev. Peggy Kennedy of Two Silver Trumpets for giving us permission to share this post as the DWOD for Nov. 16, 2012.
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord…” (Hosea 10:12 KJV)
I have memories of listening to very scorching preaching from this text! So, when I recently heard from the Lord, “It is time…break up your fallow ground…” I went before Him rather ready to receive at least correction if not a scolding. However, what awaited me in the Word was an amazing announcement of increased fruitfulness and expanded harvest!
Yes, it is allowed that the initial readers of the prophet’s words disdained the message (both Hosea and Jeremiah use the phrase), but the announcement of the Lord is clearly there in the basic agricultural reference. Not all of us have a farming background, but all of us can hear the Lord referring to not the weeds in our landscape, but fallow ground…the “unplowed” (NIV) or “uncultivated” (Amplified Bible) portions of our lives and ministries. And the excitement builds when you hear the words “it is time”; that Hebrew word is akin to the Greek “kairos”…the moment has come.
The agricultural setting further informs us that fields or segments of the land can be left dormant or inactive for a season. This was not due to neglect, but rather was a wise practice that allowed the dormant land to be enriched. When in the regular cycle of rotation of seasons and crops it was once again cultivated, the land had an increased potential for fruitfulness!
While we are waiting, it is easy to lament the lost productivity of the land. We remember how lush and green and fruitful it was. In the waiting time the uncultivated portion is subject to weeds and feels like a wasteland! But, take a page from the farmer’s manual and hear the call from Hosea 10:12.
We’ve now arrived at that God-ordained time when once again that dormant part of our lives will be active. Increased fruitfulness is coming. The “waiting time” will ultimately be re-defined as a time of enriching for what the Lord has ordained for the now season!
Join me in this declaration: “I declare that the wisdom and goodness of the God of my calling has ushered me into a new season of anticipated fruitfulness. The formerly dormant areas of my life are now being called into activity–both His and mine! Those fields which only contained memories will now overflow with much fruit.
Forgive me, Lord, for any accusation against You in the dormant season when the uncultivated areas caused me to grieve and I envied the rich, lush fields of others. I align myself now with Your announcement of fruitfulness in the previously fallow ground. It is time! I praise You in advance for the new testimony that is arising of Your purpose and power. The greater yield will be realized for Your glory!”
With rejoicing,
Follow Us