2Tim 2:1-13, 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops
Farming is hard work yet a farmer sows in faith with expectation. In waiting for a harvest, he may face tremendous challenges and setbacks with weeds, insects, floods, animals, thieves, etc. A good farmer will sow and be awake to diligently tend, guard and fight all the enemies to his crops until he harvests. Psa 126:5 “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy”
We must first labor with diligence and patience, always watching before we are partakers of the fruit, doing the will of God, before we receive the promises. Those who labor for God are blessed and rewarded here and hereafter.
Paul admonishes us to endure hardship as a good soldier, race as an athlete and work hard as a farmer in facing challenges of life. He demonstrates that he lived what he preached, 2Tim 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. Paul fought the good fight as a soldier. He finished the race as an athlete. He kept the faith as a farmer.