By Andrew Williams
The Living Gospel (Week 4: Living a Shareable Life)
Opening Prayer
Lord, give us the patience of a farmer, to faithfully sow seeds of your love and truth, and to trust Your timing for the harvest.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
Mark 4:26-27
“Jesus also said, ‘The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.'”
We live in a world of instant results. We want to see the impact of our efforts immediately. But sharing our faith is often more like farming than it is like fast food. Jesus tells this parable to teach us a vital lesson about the nature of God’s Kingdom.
A farmer’s job is to scatter the seed. After that, the process of growth is a slow, mysterious miracle that is happening under the surface, outside of the farmer’s control or even his understanding. He can’t see the seed sprouting underground, but he trusts that the life within it is at work.
When you share your story or a word of truth, you are scattering a seed. You may not see any immediate change or reaction. In fact, you may not see the result for weeks, months, or even years. But you must trust that God’s Word does not return void. The Holy Spirit is at work in that person’s heart in ways you cannot see. Our call is to be faithful seed-scatterers, and to trust the mysterious, powerful, and patient work of God to bring the growth in His perfect time.
Disciples’ Life Tip: Think of someone who planted a spiritual seed in your life long before you came to faith. Take a moment to thank God for their faithfulness, even though they didn’t see the immediate result. This will encourage you to be a patient seed-planter for others.
Closing Prayer: Father God, thank You that the growth of Your Kingdom is a miracle in Your hands. Help me to be faithful in scattering seeds of the Gospel, and to patiently trust You with the unseen work and the future harvest. Amen.
