Scattering Seeds

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. Mark 4:26-27

Ever become frustrated by a lack of growth in an area?

Could be yourself, a loved one, or a friend.

God’s timing is not always our timing.

Preaching to the choir, I know.

But our job? It is to remain faithful to the call God has on our lives.

Part of our call is to pray for the lost, asking God to soften their hearts.

Part of our call is to encourage others, pointing them to the One they can trust.

And part of our call is to be His witness.

God’s hands and feet to those we meet.

While we usually don’t see any changes, seeds are scattered. Planted. Watered.

You might be the one who scatters that seed.

Or maybe you planted a seed specifically.

Or maybe your job was to water the seed. Again and again.

We often don’t know what role we play on another’s journey to God.

But as long as we are doing our part, we can anticipate the harvest.

But sometimes we don’t even know we are planting any seeds.

We are unaware people are watching, weighing our words or actions with God’s gentle whispers.

And one day, when that harvest pops through, we are surprised as anyone!

Let me give you an example.

Last year I had two pots of pansies on my front porch.

Not sure what kind, but I know now. How do I know?

I have several little bunches popping out of my mulch in full bloom.

Did I plant them? Nope.

Did I scatter the seeds? No, but the plant did.

And this spring, I am enjoying the harvest.

Plus now I know what kind of pansies I had last year.

As you go about your day, praying for others, think about the seeds you are scattering.

It’s pretty incredible to be a part of someone’s story to Jesus.

May we all keep pursuing Jesus on behalf of others we know and don’t know.

And someday soon, may we see a glimpse of the happy souls we love rejoicing with their faith in God.

But God

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to Himself. 2 Corinthians 4:13-14

It’s impossible.

But God.

Utterly unattainable.

But God.

Completely devastating.

But God.

Simply too much.

But God.

It’s like you’ve forgotten all about Him.

His power.

But God.

Two words with big meaning.

Heard this phrase years ago, don’t remember where.

Today, those words plopped back into my brain.

But God.

The first word is a conjunction – a coordinating conjunction if you care to know the type.

Connects words and phrases together.

One could use the conjunction and instead.

And God.

That works as we include God.

Not as powerful in my humble opinion.

But God shows me everything stops because God enters.

It’s all impossible, except for one variable: God.

Almost like you’ve forgotten the climax to the movie, or the surprised twist at the end.

By placing the phrase But God at the end of your story, there’s hope.

A future.

More to come.

And that future has the all powerful, all knowing Lord writing the end of your story.

Each situation, big or small, can include God.

But it’s up to you.

What words will you utter when faced with difficulties?

Why me?

Or –

But God.

Go ahead and ask God why He’s given you this trial.

But end your whispers with But God.

Ask Him to finish your story.

He has a beautiful ending, if you’ll only let Him enter in, bringing Himself in all His glory.

Photos by Vladimir Fedotov, Pawan Sharma, Mantas Hesthaven, & Dalton Touchberry on Unsplash