The Seed Will Grow

Last weekend we planted the garden.

I love the soft and perfect smoothness of the freshly tilled soil...the perfectly straight lines...conversations with the kids about seeds and weeds...the way the kids seem to intuitively draw the parallels between the garden and life.

I love the promise every seed holds.

Once planted, all that seed requires is for me to provide the right conditions and it will grow.

Last night we turned on the sprinkler.

In two weeks I'll need to weed.

The seeds will grow. That's what seeds do.

There's been a Seed planted in my heart. Sometimes I get anxious and feel like I need to be doing something to make it grow.

As if we could somehow make a seed grow. The Creator of the seed is the one who makes it grow.

I need to vigilantly pull out the weeds of bitterness, unforgiveness, hopelessness, fear and unbelief...all the ugly stuff. I need to water it with truth. The Creator is the one the gives life to the seed. The Creator is the one who makes it bear fruit.


"Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."

"I am certain that God who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished..."

"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him..."

"He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says..."

"God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful..."


As my son would say, "That's a LOT of truth!!!"



Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 3:6, 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:8-9; 1Thes. 5:24

The Source and Supply

There once was a man whose son was tormented by evil spirits. His father was heartbroken and longed for his son to be healed. The father brought his son to the religious leaders and they debated the "whys and wherefores" of the boy's condition. He brought his son to the disciples of Jesus and they did their best without success. And then he brought him to Jesus.

"Have mercy on us and help us, if you can," the father pleaded.

"What do you mean, 'If I can?'" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes."

The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"

And Jesus healed the boy.

I love this story. "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"

So often we're paralyzed by an awareness that we don't believe enough, love enough, give enough.... And so we stay stuck in condemnation as though by feeling guilty enough we can in any way change the lack. This man had enough faith to come to Jesus, but also knew that there was still unbelief in his heart. He brought what he had to Jesus. It was enough.

We need to throw ourselves at the feet of Jesus and confess, "I believe, help my unbelief. I love, but I need to you to increase my love. I give myself, but I know I still have reservations--help me to give myself more fully." And it's enough. It's only by bringing what we have to Him that He can increase it. Our desire for more is irresistible to Him. What a merciful God we have!!

"I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Phil. 1:6)

"Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end." (Hebrews 12:2a)

Our faith begins and ends in Him. Don't get stuck in feelings of self-pity, inadequacy, hopelessness, or shame. Relentlessly pursue God! He multiplies everything that is placed in His hands.

For everything comes from him and exists by his power
and is intended for his glory.
All glory to him forever!
Amen.
Romans 11:36