Father, I am so glad that You are who You are and that You are not like me. If You were like me, I would have been zapped to a cinder long, long ago. But You are not like me. You are patient – or really long-suffering is a much better description. You are love. You are merciful and full to overflowing of grace. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Pull me close, for that is where I need to stay. Amen.
Mark 4:26-29 (<<click to read the passage)
We really enjoy the flowers in our yard. They add so much beauty through the spring, summer, and fall. We usually have a few annuals – Karen loves Gerber Daisies! But for the most part, we have perennials.
There are Daffodils, Hyacinths, Crocuses and a few Tulips in the spring. Then in the summer, there are Lilies of the Valley, a Black-eyed Susans, Coneflowers, Sedums, and a few more. Then in the fall, we have a couple of varieties of Mums.
Now when it comes to house plants, we’ve kept most of our succulents alive but most everything dies within a short period of time.
Why should I mention all this? In this passage, Jesus speaks of a farmer. And all the farmer can really do is plant (and fertilize). In the end, it is in God’s hands, not the farmer’s.
We share our faith in many ways. The way we live our lives is huge! But it is also important that we learn to share verbally. Now we may struggle in that area and I do know some who are gifted in this area. But regardless, the seed is sown and if we have the opportunity to continue to interact with these folks, we can nurture as time goes along. But again, in the end, it is in God’s hands, not ours.
Lord Jesus, no matter if we are excellent sowers or find it a challenge to get the seed out, You and You alone will bring about the harvest. Our task is to keep our “eyes on the great harvest to come and [not] let bad soil or weeds discourage [us] from faithful service and witness.”* Amen!
*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation
Mar 4th, 2019, Mon, 4:57 pm
