June 13, 1742—Wesley’s Lesson in Delayed Fruit

On June 13, 1742, John Wesley entered in his journal a hard-won encouragement from the evangelistic work spreading across England: “Oh, let none think his labor is lost because the fruit does not immediately appear.” It was not the counsel of a comfortable man. Wesley had preached in fields, in meetinghouses, and wherever doors opened—sometimes to eager listeners, often to the suspicious, and at times to those openly hostile to the message of new birth and holy living.

Field Preaching and the Long Road

Wesley’s itinerant ministry carried him across towns and villages, along muddy roads and through weary days. Field preaching—so associated with the Methodist awakening—was not a novelty for its own sake, but a merciful strategy for reaching working people who would not, or could not, enter parish churches. In places where crowds gathered out of curiosity, some departed scoffing, others returned silently changed months later. The heroism here was not theatrical; it was steady obedience, returning again to proclaim Christ when immediate results seemed thin.

Societies and “Class” Meetings

Beyond preaching, Wesley strengthened believers through small societies and accountable “class” gatherings. These meetings cultivated confession, prayer, Scripture, and watchful care over one another’s souls. Many learned perseverance there: to repent quickly, to forgive freely, and to endure trials without bitterness. Misunderstanding and ridicule often followed those who took faith seriously, yet the classes helped ordinary Christians become resilient, humble, and useful.

Scripture’s Promise and the Servant’s Comfort

Wesley’s counsel echoed the Bible’s assurance that God works through faithful sowing. “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) And, “So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please.” (Isaiah 55:11)

His lesson still steadies weary servants: sow faithfully, pray earnestly, endure patiently, and leave the harvest to the Lord, who sees in secret and brings fruit in season.