The Parable Of The Sower
Matthew 13:1-23
Plow up the Hard Places (vs. 5, 12)
The soil of our heart must be continually ready to receive God’s Word. Jesus said that sometimes the seed of God’s Word falls on the “path” where the Satan easily snatches it away. The grain fields in Israel often had paths around them and through them. The dirt was hard and packed, not at all conducive to growth and productivity. I’d love to say that there are no “paths” in my life, but there are. And you probably have a few too. Hosea 10:12 tells us to “break up our unplowed ground.” We need to plow up the hard places in our hearts so God’s Word can take root and grow in every area of our lives.
So why do we have these “hard paths” in our lives? In Jesus’ time, the paths were shortcuts through the field. What “shortcuts” have you taken in your life that might have caused you to become hard?
Sometimes the paths in fields became more packed by constant use – habitual use. What habits have you developed in your relationships that are not creating an environment of growth?
In your relationship with God?
With your husband?
With your children or grandchildren?
With friends?
With people you work or serve with?
Often a difficult situation has caused our hearts to be callous and hard toward God and others. Who or what has hurt you? Don’t wait for your feelings to catch up with the fact that God knows and He really does care. He can use even the hardest and most hurtful of times for our good and for His glory. Read Romans 8: 28-39. What can separate you from God’s love?
Read Hebrews 3:13.
What can harden you?
How can encouragement help you not become hard?
Who will you encourage today?
Honestly ask God to show you where your heart might be hard to His Word. Pray for grace to receive His answer and know that He will be your strength.
Have fun plowing!!
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