It is springtime again, and soon it will be time to
begin preparing the garden for planting. Often we think that the work of the
garden begins with planting seeds. But the time of preparation before the seeds
can be planted is crucial to the growing and harvesting seasons.
Preparation of the ground is essential to any
successful garden. We have several beds in our backyard that produced wonderful
vegetables last year. We covered these beds with dried leaves in the fall so
that the nutrients would enrich the soil. Now it is time to bring out the
tiller and begin breaking up the ground once again. We could just complain that
we did all this work last year and the garden grew just fine. So why do we have
to redo the work? Why can’t we just start with planting once again? In order
for the garden to be vibrant and productive this year, we must again break up
what has hardened over the long winter months.
Planning to expand the garden by adding another bed involves
even more work. First, the sod covering that piece of ground must be removed.
After this top layer has been taken off, the ground beneath must also be tilled
and broken up. Nutrients that will promote vegetable growth must be added. We
are changing the purpose of this piece of our property. No longer desiring the
beauty of a green lawn, we are seeking nutritious, life-giving fruits and
vegetables. It takes great work to change. But the benefits during harvest
season will be worth it.
Jesus spoke about planting season in the parable of
the “Sower and the Seed”. (See Matthew 14, Mark 4 and Luke 8) In this parable He describes four types of
soil that represent the conditions of our hearts. The roadside has received no
preparation and there is no comprehension when the word of God comes. The rocky
soil of the heart is still full of rock hardness and does not have enough
prepared soil to receive and understand the word with any depth. Challenges
quickly cause the word to wither and die because of this lack of deep
commitment. The thorny soil has so many distractions of life that prevent the
word of God from growing, but take over instead. But the good soil has been
prepared. It is rich and ready to receive the seed of the word of God. In this
environment the word can grow strong and provide food for many.
Are
there areas of our hearts that again need tilling? They may be areas of our lives
that we have served God faithfully in. As things again become mixed up and
sifted through, we may question just what God is doing. We have been obedient
to this point. Now it appears that God is no longer willing to allow ‘business
as usual’. A question may arise when
changes occur in an area that has been productive in the past. Why is what we
have been doing no longer acceptable? Why do we have to be broken up once
again? But as each new season begins, the old must be broken and remixed so
that the new crop can be even better than the old. “For thus says the
Lord to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem: Break up your ground left
uncultivated for a season, so that you may not sow among thorns.” (Jeremiah
4:3 AMP) Even a winter of rest can allow
things into our lives that may choke out the fruit God is nurturing within us.
When God is preparing to use us in a
new area, the work is even greater. We may have been happy being useful as that
plot of luscious, green grass. But mere beauty is no longer what God seeks. He
is looking to plant fruit that will grow in the good soil of our heart and nourish
others. Just as work is required to prepare the ground to receive the new
plants, work is required in our hearts to receive a new direction and ministry God
has for us. We must allow Him to make whatever changes are necessary in our
hearts. This may not be comfortable but will be worth it. “Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to
inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He
comes and teaches you righteousness and
rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you.“ (Hosea 10:12b AMP) ‘His righteous
gift of salvation” will be food to the souls of many we meet.
It
is springtime again. Spring is a time for new life and new growth. Allow the Father
with His rich love and mercy to prepare your heart for the life-giving crop He
wishes to develop in you. His tender care will enrich the soil of your heart
and fill you with life-giving food for those you encounter in your daily life.
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