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Laboring in the Field

Posted by Dion Todd July 4th, 2025 273 Views 12 Comments

Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come. Then he said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest." Luke 10:1–2 WEB.

I grew up cropping tobacco. We walked along the rows and broke the ripened yellow leaves off, then slapped them under our arms. We were usually covered up to our shoulders in layers of tobacco gum and dirt by the early afternoon. A tractor pulled a trailer, called a "tobacco drag," along a nearby path. When you had all the tobacco you could carry, you made your way to the drag and stacked it on until it became full.

The drag loaded with tobacco leaves was taken to the barn of the day, where it was sewn onto sticks using a long machine called a stringer. Then, the tobacco sticks were hung on the rafters inside the barn and heated with propane burners for a few weeks. Until the tobacco had lost about eighty percent of its weight. Then we stripped it off the sticks, tied it in huge burlap bags, and took it to the auction to sell.

The tobacco cropping season came during July and August in the South, the hottest part of summer. When you bent down between the rows of tobacco, there was no wind at all. The croppers would often struggle through the intense southern heat. A layer of sticky gum would get on your arms, and then the sand from the leaves would stick to that. It built up until you were covered in something resembling black tar. It was also highly water-resistant and very difficult to wash off.

Sometimes, the croppers became sick, partly from the heat and partly from the diesel fumes of the tractor settling over the area. They would often begin vomiting, falling out, leaving the rest of us to carry their row. We would make it through the day, but it was rough. We sure could have used some more help.

There is a great harvest in the kingdom of God starting to happen, but the true laborers are few, and the work is difficult. We are approaching the greatest harvest of all time. Yet, many of those in the field have been tired, hurt, sick, discouraged, or passed on. Who is going to step up and fill their shoes? Isaiah said: "Here I am, send me!" (Isaiah 6:8), and God sent him. Wherever you are, pray for more laborers. We could really use some help in the field today.

Interestingly, Jesus sent the laborers out ahead of Him to the places He was about to visit. In my life, I have always wanted to be where the revival was but usually ended up being somewhere else while it happened. The laborers prepare the way for the Lord to come. They go ahead of Him into the fields. So, if you are a laborer, know that your work is not in vain, for we are preparing the way for the Lord of the harvest to come.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for all that You do for me. Please put those I can reach in my path and give me the words to speak them. Fill me with boldness and Your passion for the lost. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Today is "Feel Good Friday" at the FAAD (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) group! On this day, we uplift each other with posts of encouragement and joy! All are welcome to join and participate! As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.

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Post from Dion Todd

Dion Todd commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Laboring in the Field

34 minutes ago


Happy 4th of July, everyone! I pray you have a wonderful day. Sylvia and I hope to cook out later, though it is going to be about 90+ here. 😀



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Comment from Gloria Nebarez

11 minutes ago

Thank you Pastor, I hope you both have an relaxing day. I loved the devotional today, we need more workers.


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Comment from John Petchonka

20 minutes ago

Happy 4th to Both of you. Enjoy your day God Bless I hope you’re feeling better.



Post from Kay Collinsworth

19 minutes ago


Amen




Post from Gloria Nebarez

29 minutes ago


Amen, thank you Jesus




Post from Richard A Smith

2 hours ago


Happy 4th! Amen.



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Comment from Sylvia Todd

34 minutes ago

To you as well, brother 🎉!



Post from Mark Williams

34 minutes ago


Amen




Post from Laura Clark

Laura Clark commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Laboring in the Field

37 minutes ago


🙏 Amen!!




Post from Sylvia Todd

Sylvia Todd commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Laboring in the Field

37 minutes ago


Good morning, y'all, praying you have a fantastic Friday and a joyful Independence Day celebration! 🙏🥳💛




Post from Brenda F

Brenda F commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Laboring in the Field

43 minutes ago


Amen




Post from Valeri Frank

Valeri Frank commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Laboring in the Field

43 minutes ago


Please Lord, guide me, lead me, and teach me... I will follow you anywhere. For You are the Way, the Truth and the Life... No one gets to the Father except through you. Speak to me and through me. In Jesus Name I Pray... Amen!




Post from Dana Rozell

Dana Rozell commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Laboring in the Field

1 hour ago


Amen!




Post from Schalk de Beer

5 hours ago


Yes Abba Father, I pray this in Jesus's name, amen ✝️🛐





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