Fireworks and Seeds

I enjoy fireworks! First, you see the colorful light design spread across the sky, then you hear the boom of the explosion, then comes the shockwave of pressure you can feel in your chest. It is an awesome display meant to be impressive. But for all of the dazzling effects of sound and light, it's over in seconds, the sky fading to black, the
sound waves rolling off the distant hills. I am also impressed by another kind of power - that which locked into a little seed! You take the tiny packet of potential life and place in the earth. With the right kind of moisture and some heat, it germinates and sends out a shoot that pushes aside the soil and grows, and grows, and grows. If it's a seed of a maple tree and it grows next to sidewalk, over time the growing tree can lift concrete slabs!

Let me ask you to consider how God accomplishes His work. Does He use fireworks or seeds? He uses both. Jesus occasionally did big, impressive miracles to attract attention of the crowds; but the greater work of the Kingdom was the seed of Truth that He planted that continues spreads a lasting influence in hearts and minds of people who receive it into their lives, with faith. Quietly and persistently over time, the Truth changes sinners into saints, transforms entire cultures and makes the world a new and different place. "Here is another illustration Jesus used: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches." Jesus also used this illustration: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough." (Matthew 13:31-33, NLT)

Let me encourage you today to trust the persistent, quiet power that is locked into the seed of God's Truth. Receive it with thanksgiving. Water it with prayer and reflection. Allow the Spirit to work in you. If you do, you can be sure that godliness will most surely grow in your
character! Occasionally, God may send some fireworks. From time to time, He may choose to do big, impressive miracles; but most of the time His work will done quietly, over time. Give the power of the Word time to grow. Don't be discouraged by the slow pace of change. Don't let charlatans seduce you with promises of spiritual transformation resulting from quick and easy techniques. Instead, be steady. What God brings out of your life will be truly amazing.
Here's a word from the Word, full of promise. I pray it will stir new confidence in you, helping you to wait on His will steadily.

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." (Psalm 1, NIV)
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The Spirit of the Lord is great and mighty,
The Spirit of the Lord is my victory;
The Spirit of the Lord is great and mighty,
Great and mighty in me.

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.
I am more than a conqueror by the power of His Word,
Of His Word.
In the name of Jesus, I can do anything
By the power of His Spirit,
Through the One who strengthens me,
Strengthens me.
The Spirit of the Lord

Billy Funk © 1992 Integrity's Praise! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055