God’s gone and done it again.
This morning “my plan” was to sit in my oversized comfy chair in my study, and get busy spending time with Jesus. I had three devotionals I was working on, and I was ready to begin studying and typing.
Then, as Tim was leaving for work, he asked me to distribute the grass seed before the rain tomorrow. All eleven bags. At first I was like, “no problem”. I created a dispenser out of a gallon container and began the process. Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow (that right there is a PRAISE THE LORD hope), so I knew the urgency of covering the ground with the seed and fertilizer mixture before the rain came.
Well, the gallon contraption seemed to be time consuming and flimsy more than anything, so I decided to scatter the seed with my bare hand. About an hour into the spreading, I annoyingly would glance at the time, sigh, and think to myself, “I wanted to spend time with Jesus, NOT waste the entire morning dispensing seed.”
Right then and there it was as if God whispered, “But, Stephanie, you are spending time with Me. Listen and change your perspective.”
Instantly, Matthew 13:1-23 flooded my mind. This is where you find The Parable of the Sower.
As in written in Matthew 13:16, I felt “Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.”
The continuation of my spreading of the seed wasn’t so bothersome any more. This became precious time with God, and He revealed numerous things to me during the next thirty minutes.
There was a sense of urgency to complete the task of spreading the grass seed. We, Christians, should have the same urgency to share the gospel with others. None of us are promised tomorrow, nor do we know the hour or day when Jesus will return, but we do know that He is coming! When He does, we should desire for all those around us to know and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so that we will all be in Paradise with our Heavenly Father one day.
Much like the parable, there was diverse types of soil that the seed was landing on. Some was hardened soil, other ground didn’t look so promising because of its surroundings, but there was some good soil for growing upon. I scattered the mixture on all the varieties of soil. My thoughts were that it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, what your background or current situation is, God wants you!
Is sharing the gospel an easy thing? I don’t think so. There are moments when just a simple smile, or the way you carry yourself, or a kind word can speak volumes about who you are and the message you want to get across to someone. Yet, sharing can be sacrificial as well.
My eyes may begin growing grass, because the way the wind would blow I surely got my share of mixture in my face. I would find myself blindly spreading the grass as I closed my eyes to protect them.
Walking along some of that hardened and uneven ground gave my tender right ankle a run for it. I had to be aware of my surroundings and cautiously walk.
We often share God’s love in those same circumstances. We may blindly enter a conversation or must be watchful of the locations we find ourselves in. Regardless of how sketchy or compromising the environment may be, if you go with God, you’re good. He’s already been there before you. Pray before you go.
This morning’s plan wasn’t what I expected…it was better!
I do pray that tomorrow’s forecast is a sure thing. We NEED the rain!
I have no idea which seed may take, but in due time we will see the fruition of my scattering.
Even though I’m not sure about my lawn ‘s landscape future, I have hope, and know that I did my best.
Can you (I) say that regarding our scattering of God’s love to others?
Oh, how I pray Matthew 13:9, “he who has ears, let him hear.” Listen.
I pray blessings upon you and the boldness to go share His love with others. May you find joy in those annoying moments, and hear God whisper a new perspective in your ear.
