Effort Without Profit

“They have sown wheat but have reaped thorns, they have strained themselves to no profit. So be ashamed of your produce because of the fierce anger of the LORD.” – Jeremiah 12:13 NASB

God’s people had sown seeds but didn’t reap the harvest they hoped for. Why had this happened?

God said their leaders had failed them, ruining His vineyard, and trampling down His field. His “pleasant field” had become “a desolate wilderness” (v. 10). In addition, His people had sinned and turned against Him. Consequently, God abandoned them.

God made it clear: He wanted to bless them. He wanted their efforts to be profitable. But for blessings to flow, they needed to live according to His principles, serve, and please Him.

Their experience reminds us of when Jesus’ disciples fished all night but caught nothing. He told them, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” When they obeyed Him, they caught so many fish that “their nets began to tear” (Luke 5:4, 6). This is how God can make our lives fruitful and how we can see maximum returns from our efforts.

Do you ever find yourself like the disciples or ancient Israel? Working hard but seeing little profit? Sowing seeds with a minimal harvest? Examine your life. Is your heart clean before God? Are you investing your energies in the right places? Are you obeying His Word?

Renew your commitment to seek first God’s Kingdom. Seek to be clean in His sight, doing things His way. Sow the seeds He gives you. Believe Him for an abundant harvest.
Reflection Question: What do you need to keep doing even though there’s been little profit?