MAY 3 – FARMING

 Listen, a farmer once planted his field. Some seed fell on a hard-packed path, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocks. It grew quickly, but died when the sun scorched because it had no root. Other seed fell into thorns and briars that choked the plant, and it didn’t bear fruit. (Mark 4:3-7)

                   Not every seed grows. Jesus later explains that, when you show others the way to Him, very few people will give their lives to Christ and fully embrace the life of following Him. You are not responsible for this outcome. That is the responsibility of each man and woman who hear God’s word, and who are given the opportunity to surrender themselves to Him and the hope that He offers. Your responsibility is to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit leading you, telling you how to plant your words and actions in His garden each day.

                    So, what are you to do? Love. You are to love every person God places in your way. However, this does not mean you are to agonize over their choices, nor does it mean you should self-design ways to reach them. Often, it will not be your job to do more than plant the first seed – which they may reject. You also can love them enough to pray God will continue to call others to the life He offers.

                    Farming is hard work! Planting is a long-term venture. Make sure God is guiding your work.