"The Power of a Seed"
by
May 10, 2004 was the election day for our country, the
Now that the election is over and we await the results, what's next for us to
do? As I was pondering upon this matter, the Lord brought back to my mind
"the power of a seed," and how often we failed to grasp the full
implication of this and end up missing a lot of opportunities to affect change in our midst.
A Seed
Produces
A seed, of whatever variety, is often small. But once
it is planted, well taken cared of, and given time, has the ability to multiply
and to grow beyond any measure we can imagine. This truth applies not just to a
physical seed, but also to "spiritual" seeds that God has given
specially to His people.
We long to experience positive and meaningful changes in our lives, our
families, our churches, our society, our cities, and our nation. And oftentimes
because of the magnitude of the problems we face daily, we begin to feel
desperate and, at times, just surrender to these feelings, thinking that
nothing will ever change, forgetting that we hold in our hands God's seeds which has the power to change the situations around
us.
Today, let us remind ourselves once more that God has given us all the seeds we
need to start sowing, seeds that will one day grow into mighty trees. Trees
that will one day benefit not not just the sower but
many others as well.
What are we facing today?
Is it financial distress? Then let us sow seeds of "giving." Let us
give of our time, talent and, yes, finances.
Is it emotional coldness or apathy by those around us? Then let us sow seeds of
"love". A kind word, a smile, a gentle touch...these little acts will
help melt the coldness around us.
Is it fear and despair? Then let's begin sowing seeds of "praise &
thanksgiving." Let's start to look for the positive in people instead of
the negative. Let us begin to thank our children, our friends, our leaders for
what they have already done instead of complaining about what they have failed
to do.
Is it doubt and uncertainty? Then try sowing the seeds of "speaking forth
God's promises." The Bible is full of them. Let us begin claiming them one
by one.
Is it greed and dishonesty in society? Then try sowing seeds of "integrity
and generosity". Let us practice speaking the truth always even when it
hurts. In our work, let us become good stewards of all things entrusted to us,
whether small or big. Let us not be afraid to go the second mile.
I am confident that whatever the need is in our midst today, God will
abundantly provide us with the right seed to sow.
We Can Be
Assured
What we will be led to do today may seem immaterial,
if compared to the circumstances and challenges we are facing whether as a
person, a family or a nation. But as we start sowing where the Lord leads us,
we can be assured that one day, whether in our lifetime or our children's
lifetime, these small sowing actions will reap many beneficial changes.
"To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose
under heaven. A time to plant and a time to pluck up what is
planted. He has made everything beautiful in its time."
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,2b,11a)
"And let us not lose
heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time
and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our
courage and faint. So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us
do good to all people [not only being useful or
profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and
advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household
of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers.]"
(Galatians 6:9-10)