(Matt. 13:37-38)
You can see that in God’s hands we are “seed,” and the world is His field. He wants us to put our lives in His hands and let Him plant us into the world. God determined the type of seed you are and where you are to be planted.
Genesis 1:11 says that the “seed is in itself.” A seed of corn is always going to produce only corn, a kernel of wheat will produce wheat, a grain of rice will produce rice. You cannot get rice from corn. So it is in the mind of God. He planned our lives before the world was created. Now He wants to plant each of us, so we can begin to bloom and bring forth fruit in season.
If you take a quick look at how a seed produces, it will give you some spiritual insight. The first thing that happens when a seed is planted into the ground is that it goes through a process of dying. Then, a rootlet will begin to push its way through the earth as the rain and sunshine give life to it.
Does that seed ever think, Am I going to get through all of this dirt on top of me? It is so hard, and I feel hopeless. Of course not. But then one day it happens. The seed comes forth, and the bud breaks into the sunlight. Many members of the Body of Christ are like that seed—all they see is dirt piled on top of them. Even staff members of ministries sometimes feel mistreated and left out. Perhaps they feel God has forsaken them because all they can see is dirt. Does this describe you?
If you will just stay where God has planted you and be faithful during the hard times, you will come forth. A seed is destined to spring forth if it is planted into good soil. If you know you are in the will of God and are where He wants you to be, then you will come forth, because it is God’s destiny at work in you.
Some things you can do to stay strong in the Lord include:
- Where would you say you are in the seedtime and harvest process?
- Be encouraged by God’s Word: “And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come” (Mark 4:26–29).
- For a plant to grow healthy and strong, it needs plenty of water and sunshine. Drink in both today through meditating on these verses:
“For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses” (Isa. 44:3,4).
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Ps. 84:11).
Father, it isn’t always easy to bloom where You’ve planted me. Sometimes I feel like I am two feet underground in the dark, surrounded by dirt. Like a seed has to die, I often have to die to my flesh and my own desires to fulfill my assignment to my leader. But I am encouraged that You are shining upon me and pouring out the water of Your Word upon me that I may bloom in due season. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.