What Does It Mean to Sow Seeds of Faith?

 

The happy trill of a meadowlark greets me as I stroll along the path. My gaze lingers on a passing seedling that dances in the air like a graceful ballerina-bowing and bending in translucent chiffon.

I wonder where the wind might carry that small seed? Will it find good soil or land on impenetrable ground?

And I am reminded of those for whom I need to pray. I may not know whether a seed of faith planted in them will grow and prosper, but God holds them tenderly in His grasp—just as he does the beautiful, incandescent cotton.

God holds them tenderly in His grasp—just as he does the beautiful, incandescent cotton. #tenderlyheld #seedoffaith Click To Tweet

 

 

 

What is the Meaning of Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed?

As Christ spoke with the disciples, they yearned for more faith. The willingness to follow their God. The desire to obey.

Jesus said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Matthew 17:6 NKJV)

Consider the Lord’s words in light of Paul’s, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.  So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.  Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8 NKJV)

Only millimeters in size, the mustard seed can grow to twelve feet in diameter. Yet the focus remains on the one who grows the seed rather than the seed itself.

...the focus remains on the one who grows the seed rather than the seed itself. #seedoffaith Click To Tweet

God is the source while the seed of faith is the progenitor.

As Aaron Berry writes, “Jesus is telling us that only faith in a powerful God can accomplish the things that only a powerful God can do.”

 

If God Increases Faith, Do I Still Have a Part?

The short answer? Yes.

Scripture affirms that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. NKJV (Hebrews 11:1)

Below, I’ve listed three practical, Biblical ways to cultivate seeds of faith.

• Listen to the word of God. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 assures that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

The Greek word for hearing comes from the word for discerning while the word for faith is derived from confidence. When we listen to wise believers, our own faith grows in confidence and strength.

Practically, we can listen to podcasts, sermons, and lectures that edify and grow us spiritually.

• Read the scriptures. “…but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31)

 

How can we know Jesus or understand what we profess unless we read the words between the covers of scripture? You can even use free Bible reading plans.

 

• Gather with other Christians. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

While we need to engage with those who do not know Jesus yet, our faith will flourish if other Christians exhort, encourage, and challenge us. We need a community to stand strong—especially when depression, difficulty, and distress are rampant.

 

 

What Does It Mean When Those I Love Don’t Choose Jesus?

Tear-stained pillows lend proof to the whispered prayers that ascend to heaven’s ceiling. Still, several of my family and friends remain outside of God’s family. But I refuse to stop praying.

Some might laugh. Others may scoff. But I remain committed to those God places on my heart. The ones in the margins.

I know He hears and longs to answer. Desires to usher each wayward one to the safety of winged shelter. But rebellion and rescue sometimes stand at odds.

Perhaps God is teaching me patience. Maybe the Enemy battles hard for this one. Or the Lord may be waiting for a spirit to soften. To admit her need of Him as the seed of faith implants itself into the softened soil of a heart soon ready for Christ’s love.

Skilled farmers know that some winter seasons are longer than others. These are the times when the crops ripen later than their counterparts. Other soils require more preparation and care. After excellent care and an investment of attention, a beautiful harvest results.

Like a master gardener, we need to plant seeds of faith and wait for the harvest.

Like a master gardener, we need to plant seeds of faith and wait for the harvest. #seedsoffaith #mastergardener Click To Tweet

 

Seven Encouraging Bible Verses About Sowing Seeds

1. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV

 

2. Sow righteousness for yourselves,reap the fruit of unfailing love,
   and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord,
   until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10:12 NIV)

 

3. “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:11 NIV)

 

4. “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 NIV)

 

5. “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:10 NIV)

 

6. ’It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.” (Romans 9:6-8 NIV)

 

“He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.” (Matthew 13:37 NIV)increase.  Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8 NKJV)

 

A Prayer to Sow Seeds of Faith

Father, I cry out to you again today asking that you would soften the soil of ___________’s heart. Give me the opportunity to sow and water seeds of faith in the lives of those whom I love. Open my eyes to those who need you and a heart for the hurting. I trust you, Lord, to give the increase (1 Cor. 3:6-8).

In the powerful name of Jesus,

Amen

Peace and grace,
Tammy

I sometimes link up with the following wonderful bloggers:

Mondays   Mandy and Michele/ Inspire Me Monday/Anita Ojeda Tuesdays InstaEncouragements Wednesdays  Recharge Wednesday / Tell His Story//Let’s Have Coffee Thursdays ImpartingGrace/Heart Encouragement  /Salt and Light Friday FriendshipFriday/Blogger Voices Network /Faith on Fire

 

Tammy Kennington

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