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Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it.Genesis 41:48
This is what the Lord showed me when I asked Him, " Lord, why is our commitment important to you? Why do you want us to continue planting like Joseph?"
Then God told me... "Look at this, if Joseph got tired and stopped planting after a year or two, the grains he had saved will only be enough for the people of Egypt. But because of his obedience, he planted for 7 years. That's why he was able to save more than enough! This surplus of food in Egypt became a "Big News" to other nations when the great famine happened. This abundance of food reached their neighboring countries and eventually reached his family in the land of Canaan. If Joseph stopped planting, His brothers will not be pushed to visit Egypt to buy food."
See, because of Joseph's commitment and obedience, his family were not only reunited and reconciled, but they were extremely blessed!
When I was asking the Lord, why He specifically pointed out the 7 years of planting or feeding, this is what He revealed to me.
As God, He knows that when some people hear the word "7 years", many things will enter their minds.
Questions like...
"Why 7 years? Does it have be that long?""
"7 years? I can't commit to something that long. "
"What if I can't support the feeding for 7 years? What if I lose my job..etc?"
"What if rapture comes?"
First, He used "7 years" because in a human's point of view, this is a very long time. He allowed it to appear that way to clearly convey His message that He is really after the commitment of our hearts, and not what we could give. He wants to teach His children how to trust and commit their hearts to a cause that really matters to Him. And in return, the same people who trusted Him will reap the harvest.
God is not looking at our capabilities and talents, but at our hearts. The commitment of our hearts is very important to Him, not the length nor the duration of our financial support.
Now, if you believe that this vision is meaningful and pleasing to our Father in heaven, then we invite you to join us!
Do not grow weary in doing good, for whoever will keep on doing this will reap a harvest in due time. (Gal. 6:9)
It's about time for you to discover that when you show your commitment and obedience to God's will, you will experience the firm, credible effect of His Word in your life.
Remember, commitment is tested through the passage of time.
2 Cor. 9:10 says that God gives a bountiful harvest to those who are diligently planting, not to those who are just eating and consuming.
The Bible also teaches us that if we sow sparingly, then we will reap sparingly. (Ex. Gal. 6:7-9; Luke 6:38)
God promised in His Word that He continuously supplies the seeds to the sowers. So, if we agree and enter into a commitment with the Lord to plant for 7 years or more, we know it in our hearts that the provision will not come from our own strength but from Him.
Let us get excited with this season of testing and stretching of our faith, because this is where we will experience supernatural provisions, miracles and blessings. (Hebrews 11:6, 2 Cor. 9:6-15)
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Cor. 9:6-11