Yesterday, we looked at the seed we are planting. We considered what we were sharing with the world and the abundant harvest. Today, we are looking at 2 Corinthians 9:8, 10-11, and how God multiplies the seed as you sow it. The passage says: “Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything—every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do… This generous God who supplies abundant seed for the farmer, which becomes bread for our meals, is even more extravagant toward you. First he supplies every need, plus more. Then he multiplies the seed as you sow it, so that the harvest of your generosity will grow. You will be abundantly enriched in every way as you give generously on every occasion, for when we take your gifts to those in need, it causes many to give thanks to God” (2 Corinthians 9:8, 10-11 TPT).
When I consider this passage, I think of Compassion International. I have been involved with Compassion for over six years. As a single mother, it was a step of faith to begin sponsoring a child with Compassion, as it is a monthly financial commitment combined with many prayers and written letters. As I began engaging with my sponsored child, I could see that I was being enriched. My sponsor child Rian was writing me letters of encouragement. He was sharing Scripture with me. I entered the relationship thinking that he was in need of my sponsorship to help him to have better opportunities in his country. In no time at all, I realized that God was multiplying the seed I had sown. I was growing through the relationship. I was being blessed through the relationship. I was seeing God move through the relationship. I also saw Rian growing into a healthy young man with a strong spiritual foundation. I was able to see the seeds I planted into his life grow and impact many others, myself included.
In time, the doors opened for me to sponsor three more children. The children all grew in Christ, both them and their families, and the seed was multiplied. I have seen the children survive dry periods and mudslides, sickness and family hardships. At the same time, I have seen God move in mighty ways. I have seen these families give thanks to God again and again. Seeing the faith of these children has strengthened my faith and it has been such a blessing. As I near seven years of sponsorship of my first Compassion child, I am in awe of what God has done. I never imagined I’d be in the position to sponsor one child, let alone four children. I never would have thought I could send gifts that could help families purchase goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, etc. I joke that we now have a family farm across nations. One of the greatest things for me is seeing Rian’s recent photo I received a week ago. I continue to look at it each day and I then look at his first photo — the photo I saw when my children helped pick up his sponsorship packet from a table filled with packets. Oh how God has moved in his life. He has grown into a fine young man. When I hold his photo, I give thanks to God as my eyes wet with happy tears and my face forms a smile.
Today, consider what God wants you to sow. Trust that as you sow it, He will multiply the seed. You have no idea what God has planned for the seeds you are planting today. Even so, you can trust He will show up, He will move in mighty ways, and anything He leads you to plant, He will multiply.
Thank You God for Your goodness and Your grace. Lord, I never imagined what You could do — You continue to amaze me! Lord, please continue to guide me. I am trusting You to use all that I give You for Your kingdom. Thank You for this great opportunity to partner with You. To You be the glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Tania Gutekunst 