As I walked along a shaded breezeway, I noticed a small plant peeking out of the concrete. Evidently the wind blew a tiny seed into the crack and perhaps, after a few rainstorms, enough water was captured to entice it to sprout. Now it is growing. Will it last? Grow little plant – thrive.
It made me think of the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. Jesus says some seeds are sown in rocky soil, but since they have no roots, they die off quickly. He explains to his disciples that these are the people who have an emotional conversion, but they are never grounded in the Truth or the Word. They lack commitment and trust. But, is that always so?
Roots can take hold, even in the most unlikely places.
When it comes to spreading the love of Christ, we are all to join in the seeding process. Some are to clear the rocks away, others to till the soil, some to sow the seeds. Others are called to nurture the newly sprouting seedlings, Still others are to keep watering it so it will grow. But we must remember that God’s Holy Spirit does the growing.. God knows what lies beneath the surface and the potential that seed has. He know what each needs to thrive.
I am not sure if this small plant has deep roots or not. I don’t know what soil lies under that concrete walkway and brick wall. But My Father in Heaven knows.
I cannot see into the future to witness which lives my writings and lectures will have touched, and what the outcome will be for each. However, I know I am called to sow the Truth of Christ anyway and let God take care of the rest — be it through fifty more people or just one.
The next time you feel as if your efforts to bring someone closer to Christ seem unproductive, think on this tiny plant. You may think their lives are rocky right now, but there just may be nice soil that was once deposited underneath. Or, there may be undercurrents feeding into the rock you cannot see. Miracles happen every day.
Where Did You Find God Today? 