Mark 4:21-34

“And He said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground…’” (Mark 4:26, NKJV)

As Christ spoke in parables, He repeated certain terms. In the parable of the soils, the “seed” was the word of God. We assume that it is the same in this parable. Seed in the natural world is a mystery. How is it that the DNA within has all the instructions for the plant to grow to maturity? It could become a mustard plant or a Sequoia redwood, depending on the instructions within.

Such is the word of God. It is living, active, and powerful. We must faithfully sow the word into our own hearts and into the hearts of others, but we do not know how it will grow. “First the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.” This process happens even while we are sleeping. We must be patient.

There are people to whom I have witnessed. I have sown the word into their hearts. Sometimes I see fruit, and sometimes I don’t. But I pray that God continues to work His will in them; I pray that the seed will germinate and take root. Sometimes I wonder if anything is happening. But other times, I am surprised.

Recently, a couple to whom I have witnessed and for whom I have prayed came to church. I was surprised and overjoyed to see them. I confess that I wondered if the word sown into their hearts would have any effect. I doubted that they would ever attend church. But we do not know how the word grows in the heart. Our faith is not in the person but in the power of the word. Even when we don’t see it, God is working because He does not want anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance and faith in Jesus.

Therefore, we must keep on sowing the seed and keep on praying for those who have received it. God hears our prayers and works accordingly. Trust that the seed working, the Spirit is watering, and one day you will see fruit.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NKJV)