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  CAST THY BREAD UPON THE WATERS
  by William MacDonald
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of patience and faith in
the process of spiritual growth and service, highlighting that results
may take time to manifest.

Topics: "Spiritual Growth", "Patience in Service"
Scripture References: Psalm 126:5-6, Ecclesiastes 11:1, Matthew 7:7, Mark 4:26-29, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians 6:9, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 10:36, James 5:7-8

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DESCRIPTION
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William MacDonald emphasizes the importance of patience in the Christian
life through the metaphor of casting bread upon the waters, illustrating
that spiritual results often take time to manifest. He contrasts the
instant gratification of modern society with the gradual process of
spiritual growth and service, reminding us that kindness, prayers, and
efforts may not yield immediate results. MacDonald encourages believers
to remain steadfast in their service, trusting that their labor is not
in vain and that the true harvest will be revealed in due time,
especially in heaven. He highlights the agricultural cycle as a biblical
principle for understanding spiritual service, urging patience and
perseverance in our Christian walk.

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CONTENT
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Â"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many
days.Â" (Eccl. 11:1)

Bread here is probably used, figuratively, for the grain from which it
is made. In Egypt, seed was sown on flooded areas. As the waters
receded, the crop came forth. But it did not happen immediately. The
harvest came Â"after many days.Â"

Today we live in an Â"instantÂ" society, and we want instant results. We
have instant mashed potatoes, instant tea, coffee and cocoa, instant
soup and instant oatmeal. Also, we have instant credit at the bank and
instant replays on TV.

But it is not like that in Christian life and service. Our kindnesses
are not rewarded immediately. Our prayers are not always answered right
away. And our service does not usually produce immediate results.

The Bible repeatedly uses the agricultural cycle to illustrate spiritual
service. Â"A sower went forth to sowÂ...Â" Â"I have planted, Apollos
watered; but God gave the increase.Â" Â"First the blade, then the ear,
after that the full corn in the ear.Â" It is a gradual process, over an
extended period of time. The squash grows more quickly than an oak tree,
but it still takes time.

Therefore, to expect instant results from our uncalculating deeds of
kindness is unrealistic. To expect immediate answers to prayer is
immature. To press for a decision the first time a person hears the
Gospel is unwise. Certainly the normal experience is to give, pray and
serve untiringly over a protracted period of time. You do so with the
confidence that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. After a while,
you see results, not enough to inflate you with pride, but enough to
encourage you to press on. The full results will not be known till we
reach heavenÂ--which isÂ--after all, the best and safest place to see
the fruit of our labors.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/william-macdonald/cast-thy-bread-upon-the-waters/
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