An Open Door

This is an article I wrote in 2002. I am in the process of republishing articles written in the past that are not on this blog. For three reasons. Most of you were not on the list 7 years ago. Some of the material, when I re read it, seems to be as relevant now as then and I also would like to have it here on this blog in case I lose access to the other site.


The other morning in prayer I saw a door. An open door. On the other side of this door was a harvest field. This is the scripture that I feel goes along with this.

“And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors.” (KJV)

To enter into the labors of another. I think so often the greatest struggle we have is realizing the work another has invested in a given thing. So often people go about tearing down and minimizing what someone else has done and therefore never reap where another man has sowed.

The church I pastor has been in existence for over 30 years.

Like many churches has experienced the ebb and flow in attendance and revival. Actually, overall the church has not seen a lot of Revival. However a whole lot of work has been done. This church has had 5 pastors. One was here for over ten years, another was here for around five years I believe and the other was here for over 13 years. I have been here now five years.

This is just speaking of only the Pastors, but just imagine how much effort would be represented of the saints of years gone by.

Imagine how many prayers have been prayed, tears have been shed, and days have been fasted, lessons that have been taught, sermons that have been preached, money that has been given, and sacrifices that have been made.

The blessing that is to be found in acknowledging the labor and sacrifice of another is that we can participate in the harvest that is the proof another’s ministry.

I have been plowing my field, sowing my seed and working in this field. But I am not so foolish to think that I did not desire to reap another mans labor.

To enter into another mans labor.

We are talking about the Kingdom of God and we as Saints and ministers are servants tending the Lords vineyard. If we can recognize the pain and labor expended by others, maybe the Lord would let us reap the answers to their prayers and fasting.

We are living in the last days, and we all are going to be reaping where we did not sow. Let us take a moment and consider the fact that the Work of God is not going to be accomplished only by Johnny come lately, but it was truly a work that took the current and the former to bring about the promise.

We are working and laboring together in his kingdom. If God would let another man reap where I sowed, Praise the Lord, it’s not my field or fruit, it is the masters.

One plants, another waters. God is the one that gives the increase. Walk through the door of opportunity and reap where the harvest is. The Door is open, open into the field of Harvest, Get to work!

We are but one more generation in a long line of men and women who have given our lives to the purpose and kingdom of God. We did not get here on our own and we will not complete without someone picking up where we left off.

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips
www.inbythroughhim.blogspot.com

originally written

May 15 2002 10:11AM