Although I grew up in a rural county—where on a windy day one could smell the natural made all-purpose fertilizer of cows—I am very much a city girl with not even a tiny green thumb or any farming experience.
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. I was a bit surprised when reading this passage about tilling the soil. God’s Word is like seeds that sprout and grow if planted and cared for under the right conditions. We must allow God’s Word to take root so the fruit can flourish. The condition of the heart (or the soil) the seed falls on can delay production, but God is patient enough to see that His seeds produce fruit.
God consistently tills the soil of our hearts, so the seeds will grow and flourish. Tilling means turning the ground over and breaking it up so organic matter can mix into it. That live matter controls the weeds, breaks up crusted soil, and loosens up small areas for planting.
Just as the rain and snow serve a purpose, so does God’s Word. God sends reminders of His Word so its purpose will be accomplished. God reminds us of the condition of our hearts (soil) and evokes us to make the necessary changes so we can receive it and prosper.
When you receive the organic matter in the form of God’s Word, revelations, encouragements, and prophecies, till the soil of your heart so you can reap your harvest.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Shaunaugh Turner is a wife, mother, daughter, and advocate. She manages the counseling program at a rape crisis center. Her mission is to give her clients a safe place to be themselves, help them find their voice, and assist them in achieving their goals. Shaunaugh is also the Bible study teacher at her local church. Growing up as a preacher’s kid, and now the wife of a minister, Shaunaugh has a strong foundation in faith and uses her foundation to instill love, hope, restoration, and promise into the lives of the people she encounters.