Articles > About God: > Real Treasure

Real Treasure

“So, let’s not get tired of doing good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”¹

An old farmer who was about to die called his two sons to his bedside and said, "My boys, my farm and the fields are yours in equal shares. I leave you a little ready money, but the bulk of my wealth is hidden somewhere in the ground, not more than eighteen inches from the surface. I regret that I’ve forgotten precisely where it lies."

When the old man was dead and buried his two sons set to work to dig up every inch of ground in order to find the buried treasure. They failed to find it but as they’d gone to all the trouble of turning over the soil, they thought they might as well sow a crop, which they did, reaping a good harvest.

In autumn as soon as they had an opportunity, they dug for the treasure again but with no better results. As their fields were turned over more thoroughly than any others in the neighborhood, they reaped better harvests than anyone else.

Year after year their search continued. Only when they had grown much older and wiser did they realize what their father had meant. Real treasure comes as a result of hard work.²

Our society is known for wanting immediate results. Whether it is getting something fixed, working towards a goal, or becoming financially sufficient, we like to see the product sooner rather than later. This is sometimes our mentality as we share the gospel of Christ with others as well. We become impatient while we wait, and many times give up thinking that we are wasting our time. However, if we look at the Bible, God never said things would happen quickly. On the contrary, time and time again, we are reminded to persevere, endure, be still, wait on the Lord, and not give up.

Whether we are working toward a goal or reaching people for Christ, your work is not in vain. In God’s perfect time we will see the fruit of our labor. Imagine the joy you will feel when you accomplish your goal or see that friend or loved one come to Christ. Our work and effort will have been worth every minute.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, please help me persevere and keep working in the different areas you have me in. I know you are doing great things, even when I can’t see the results yet. Helping me never to give up, especially when it comes to sharing the Good News with others. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

1. Galatians 6:9 (NLT).

2. Source unknown.