SEEDS

 

A man scatters seed on the ground.

Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up,

the seed sprouts and grows

though he does not know how.

All by itself the soil produces grain -

first the stalk, then the head,

then the full kernel in the head.

As soon as the grain is ripe,

he puts the sickle to it,

because the harvest has come.

Mark 4:26-29

Love contemplating the miracle within a seed (vs. 26 we need not wonder how, for it's a miracle). To germinate/sprout, a seed needs to be buried in a dark place (earth/soil) then nourished with nutrients of rain and warm sun.

Often in life it seems that we are buried, due to difficulties that leave us seemingly hopeless. We need nourishment. Nourishment can be found in scripture reading. Often God supernaturally gives us the exact verse we need to cheer our weary souls. Consider yourself hugged when you read about God's outstretched arms. Night and day God is there for us, with us.

Recently a personal situation felt like a stab in the heart. The next morning it seemed like my scripture reading kept pointing out "reward." I did a word search on reward. The Bible often states our reward will be in heaven. I was encouraged that God spoke to me personally.

When God seems silent, He is working out the details of the solution - often through others. If you feel a nudge from God to encourage someone, it's God asking you to assist in His plan for everyone feels buried from time to time. Will be sharing with two friends this afternoon. One has inflammation of the heart muscle; the other's husband passed unexpectedly last month and now her daughter is in the hospital. Appreciate your prayers. Plant that little seed of encouragement. It will surely nourish.

As a seed sprouts, grows, ripens, it goes through many difficulties from too much hot sun, not enough rain, too much rain, or wind. In the end, all of these difficulties strengthen the plant to endure. In our life difficulties are meant for our spiritual maturity - growing our faith and trust, in turn enabling us to encourage someone else on their journey. Whatever your difficulty be sure to look for the blessing in it. The right focus and attitude are key in overcoming.

Years ago I wrote in one of my poems "Our bills are blessings in disguise, for they teach us God does supply." Life has taught me to pinch pennies. Thankfully bills have been paid on time, sometimes requiring working out payment plans due to medical bills. Many spiritual lessons taught from penny pinching.

No matter what we're going through - sunshine or shadow - God knows. Don't forget, that seed once buried turns into resurrection! In plant life, eventually harvest; in our life, spiritual growth and maturity.

Be sure to share your resurrection story with others. They will be nourished/encouraged on their faith journey as well.

(You might show your children/grandchildren how to germinate a seed. I would recommend a clear container so you can watch the roots form. Roots: that's a devotional for another day.)