In the gospels, we find Jesus taught using parables. In Mark 4, Jesus shared about a farmer who sowed seed. The farmer scattered the seed in four different places—along the path where the birds quickly ate it up, on the rocky ground without much soil where the sun scorched the plants because they had no roots, among the thorns, that choked out the plants, and lastly in the good soil that multiplied the seed.
The disciples waited until they were alone with Jesus to ask Him what the parable meant. Jesus explained the meaning to them. The seed is the Word of God. And we, the people in various places in our lives, are like the four different places where the seed is sown.
In the past, I related this passage to when people first hear the Word of God and have a salvation experience. However, recently the Lord showed me that I was a “thorny” Christian. God had given me His word, but I had allowed the worries of my life and my desire for certain things to come to pass to consume my life making His word unfruitful through me.
“Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19 NIV).
I realized that this passage applies to mature believers as well as new converts. It related to me. I have prayed and prayed about situations in my life, but instead of releasing them to God and trusting Him to handle my cares, I keep trying to manipulate them and fix them myself. As a result, I have not been bearing fruit.
No wonder I felt like I had been spinning my wheels. Frankly, there is absolutely NOTHING I can do about my circumstances except trust God with them. And when I let go, and gave it all to Him, peace flooded my soul. The joy of the Lord became my strength.
Have my circumstances improved? Not really. From a worldly perspective, it has worsened. But because I surrendered it all the Christ, letting go of control, I trust God will work it all out according to His will.
What about you? Are you holding onto situations or circumstances and worrying about those things that are beyond your control? Have you prayed about it? If so, let go and let God handle your cares.
© 2013 Shonda Savage
