In this post I will deal with the Parable of the Sower, specifically, the thorny ground and the good ground. Luke 8 says the following:
And as for what fell among the thorns, these are [the people] who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked and suffocated with the anxieties and cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not ripen (come to maturity and perfection). But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just (noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:14-15 AMP
As I read about the thorny ground, I think that this is where so many people are tripped up. The enemy uses worry, work, and even pleasures to distract us from doing what God has called us to do. We’ve all been given gifts to be used for the kingdom of God and as we are told in verse 15, we have to hold fast to the Word of God, if we want to produce a crop. In verse 15, the NIV version says “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
My Dad was a farmer and he managed a large ranch with many different types of animals. One year he grew 70 acres of watermelons. Besides all the work he did during the day time, I remember him setting the clock and getting up a couple a times during the night to go turn the big “walking gun” (a huge sprinkler on wheels) around after it reached the end of the row. If we are faithful in bringing forth fruit for the kingdom of God, it will not happen by accident and it probably will not be convenient. We have to make up our mind that we will persevere and fight to keep our priorities right, weed out things that distract and keep our focus on the Lord and doing what He has called us to do with our life first.
Our first priority has to be having personal time with the Lord. Jesus said in John 15:4, “Except you abide in me (remain in vital union and communion with), you can do nothing.” All true ministry comes out of an overflow of our personal walk with the Lord, which allows His Holy Spirit to flow through us and direct us. But, let me just add that if you have a family, especially children, they are your first ministry. After that comes other ministries and there are different seasons for us to do different things. We just need to be faithful in the season we are in and what God has assigned us to do at this time in our life. The Bible says “If you are faithful in little things, God will make you a ruler over bigger things.” So, I encourage you all to be faithful in using whatever gifts the Lord has given you for His glory and persevere in developing those gifts and bringing them to maturity so you can bring forth a harvest. God bless you all.
In Christ ~ Kelly Rowe
A Deeper Walk 