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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