Farming Skills

Yesterday, Jake wanted to plant some seeds he’d been given…I don’t even know what they are. So, I chose a spot for the seeds, dug the hole, and he planted and watered them. It was a quick process, but I had the thought, “I wonder if anything will grow from those seeds.” You see, chances are they will produce nothing. Then again…maybe.

Reading my Bible today in Mark 4, I noticed a farming theme to that chapter. It made me think about my doubts concerning the seeds we’d planted. When the Bible talks of seed in this chapter, it’s referring to the message of the Gospel…the good news of Jesus Christ. As we hear the Gospel, the seed is planted in our hearts. Some reject the seed. Some receive it, but their commitment to God is so shallow that the sprouting plant beginning to grow from the seed quickly dies. Others also receive it, but as their new life in God sprouts and grows, the love of ungodly things quickly strangles and kills the fledgling plant. Then, there are those who receive the Gospel, grow, and become a thriving, reproducing plant!

I don’t know about you, but I want to be a soul-winner. I long for my life to make a difference in others. I want to be a part of planting those seeds that grow and reproduce. I truly want to see less of those who receive the Gospel and then quickly die spiritually. It breaks my heart to watch a spiritual awakening in someone, just to see it die a short time later. I’m sick and tired of seeing it happen!

Here’s my prayer today: God, increase my farming skills! I want to see the seed of Your Gospel grow and reproduce. Make me a better soul-winner. Use me. Change me so I can glorify You more. I truly want for others to envy Your work in me, so they’ll seek You and strive for even more than I have attained.