Reclaiming Lost Ground

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

– James 5:19-20

Some people don’t know the True and Living God or the Love He shared through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, so they could be redeemed and saved from judgment. While others have become distracted, strayed from truth, or even rebelled like the prodigal son, believing that life apart from God’s influence would give them everything they desired. Instead, they often end up spiritually destitute, reaping the consequences of sin both spiritually and physically. As gardeners in God’s Garden, when we remain intentional and use the gifts He has given us, we can help cultivate those who walk with God and course-correct those who are walking far from Him and the Truth. We can help them recognize where their choices have led them astray and guide them back toward allegiance to God. As both gardeners and beacons of light, we shine into darkened paths by living faithful, righteous lives before them and showing the blessing and comfort found in abiding in Christ.

Hardened Ground

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.  John 15:5

The lost and rebellious often have hardened ground that keeps them from producing the blessings and fruit God desires for them. The world may try to imitate God’s peace, but its version is shallow and unable to endure every circumstance. As we walk in the fruit of the Spirit by abiding in Christ, those with hardened ground may begin to see how superior, fulfilling, and life-giving God’s fruit is compared with what the world offers. Our abiding gives them a living example to see and compare with their own lives. The prodigal son could compare the fruit of his father’s house with the fruit of the world because he had once lived with the father. In the same way, when we remain connected to the Vine, Jesus Christ, God’s presence, purpose, plan, and promises become our source and guide. This kind of life produces visible fruit that can draw others to return to the Father.

God Is a Restorer

“Also I will restore the ^[a]captivity of My people Israel, And they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them; They will also plant vineyards and drink their wine, And make gardens and eat their fruit.  “I will also plant them on their land, and they will not again be rooted out from their land which I have given them,” Says the Lord your God.

-Amos9:14-15

Sometimes we see a broken building, a dilapidated house, or an overgrown garden and wonder whether it can ever be useful again. But God is a Restorer, and He can rebuild anything. He not only calls His creation back to Himself; He also rebuilds people into something beautiful—something that brings joy and fulfillment to the world and glory to His name. When He sees lost and rebellious souls, He does not see something worthless to discard. He sees precious creation He desires to make His own again. As God’s gardeners—His hands and feet—we must begin to see people as He does: beloved creation He longs to restore, build, and establish, rather than only the present version of them living in ruin or causing ruin.

Help for the Harvest

 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

 -Matthew 9:37-38

Reclaiming lost land can feel weighty because it is a weighty endeavor. Yet we are called to be strong, courageous, and loving (1 Corinthians 16:13-14), and we are not called to do the work alone. David reminded Solomon that God would send willing and skillful workers to help build the temple. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus also teaches us to ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His harvest. When our willingness joins with others' willingness, and our God-given skill joins with theirs, God gives the increase. That is where greatness and the miraculous can take root.

Do not be overwhelmed by the visions, dreams, or call God has placed on your life to garden the land before you. Instead, follow Christ’s example: pray for those who will help fulfill His purpose, and remain strong, courageous, and faithful as you walk in the purpose God created you for. Take joy in tending and cultivating His garden, and find your comfort and strength in Him as you do the work.

Reclaiming the land begins with abiding in Christ and allowing His fruit to be seen through our lives. Those who have strayed, rebelled, or become hardened are not beyond God’s reach; He sees them as beloved creation worth restoring, rebuilding, and planting again. As gardeners in God’s kingdom, we are called to shine His light, help turn others back to truth, and trust Him to send willing and skillful workers for the harvest. The work may feel great, but God supplies strength, courage, love, and help as we faithfully tend the ground He has placed before us.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for being the Restorer of broken places and hardened hearts. Help us to abide in Christ so that our lives bear fruit that points others back to You. Give us eyes to see people as You see them—not as ruined or rejected, but as precious lives You desire to redeem, rebuild, and establish. Strengthen us with courage, love, patience, and faithfulness as we tend the land You have entrusted to us. Send willing and skillful workers into Your harvest, and let our obedience join with theirs for Your glory. Teach us to trust Your timing, depend on Your power, and rejoice in the work of cultivating Your garden. In Jesus’ name, Amen.