FollowingJesus.me

“He (Jesus) also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. 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

Today, I am struck by this great truth: In the Kingdom of God, there is mystery. There are things God is doing “under the ground” that no one sees yet.

There are things God is doing in and through my life that I don’t see and not seeing it causes frustration at times. God, where are you in this? God, where are you taking my life? This is not what “we” had planned.

As I read this parable, I felt a sense of relief and joy. I felt the Holy Spirit show me a picture of me (and you) as the seed(s). God has planted us where we are. He knows where the seed needs to go. He knows where the world needs salt and light and plants us according to his plan.

I followed Jesus to Bainbridge Island, into a new “career”, to another country, and then back again.  But, I have been frustrated because much of it doesn’t make sense to me. I get frustrated because I don’t feel like I am making a difference where I am, though I try. In today’s verse, Holy Spirit gently showed me that I am a seed that is still under the ground. I am sprouting and I am growing and when it is time there will be a “harvest.”

Like the farmer, I need to “sleep and get up” knowing/trusting that the seed is doing what it is supposed to do, though I do not see it.

Prayer:

Jesus, I still battle that frustration but THANK YOU for your gentle reminder. Thank you for being with me and reminding me that you are still working, though much of that work may be underground at the moment. Help me to stick close to you. Help me to trust your work in me and through me. Help me not to get in the way or run ahead, but to keep in step with you. Jesus, I love you and want to follow you. You died for me, help me to take up my cross, deny myself, and follow you.

Jesus, where are we going today?