Seeds

Mark 4:27

"...and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows - how, he himself does not know."

Seeds are such an amazing miracle to watch. The way a tiny white tendril breaks through and stretches out to the sun. Upon reaching the sun, the tendril turns green and then sprouts leaves to better catch the sun’s rays. The more energy it can gather, the larger it can grow. It would be pretty incredible if it took place in a matter of minutes, but I think the process demands a greater respect and appreciation for the simple fact that it takes awhile to accomplish.

I am thankful God made seeds for us to tend and water, and then rely upon Him to make them grow. They are a wonderful example of how God doesn’t need us, but chooses to use us to accomplish His will. His call can be in the small moments of a smile of encouragement, or in the steady discipline of raising a child; the helping hand, or the time spent in silent moral support with a troubled friend. Our planting, tending, and watering could be done by others, but God chose to use us. If I pay attention to the outcome, I can get bogged down in what seems like a lack of results, or even bragging over what "I" did, as though I have any control over the outcome. The outcome is entirely between God and the person(s) you may have labored over. Yet, isn't it a joy and privilege to have been used to spread His love, no matter the outcome?

How is God using you right now, no matter how great or small?