Eighty-seven days…

Do you make lists for things like groceries or to-do lists of any kind?  I do.  Sometimes I make practical lists of things we are doing to prepare for an event or projects in the house.  Sometimes I make dream lists, which are lists of things I would like to purchase if the opportunity arises. (You know, when the money tree grows.)  And, I make Biblical lists, which are things I want to work on in my own life using scripture as my guiding instruction.

I enjoy reading the Bible.  Something I like to talk frequently about concerning the Word of God is that it is living.  By this I mean that I can read a scripture I’ve already read over and over again, and sometimes God will choose to speak something directly to me through that scripture.  When that happens, it feels as if the scripture is brand new.  The Word of God never changes, yet it is always teaching and speaking new lessons to the heart of the individual reading it.  It’s an amazing concept, and I can’t stop sharing about it.

A few months ago, I was reading the Parable of the Sower in Luke chapter 8.  I had been wondering what ministry opportunities the Lord was going to give me.  I knew He had something for me, but I wasn’t sure how things were going to work out.  While reading, I felt as if the words written within this parable jumped to life right off the pages of my Bible and into my heart.  I felt the Lord told me to keep sowing seeds on the good ground, and it wouldn’t be long before those seeds would spring forth life.  I then needed to evaluate if “my ground” was sufficient for seeds to grow.  I needed to make sure I heeded Luke 8:15; I needed to make a list.

But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.  Luke 8:15 (N.K.J.V.)

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of noble is to possess outstanding qualities.  A synonym for the word noble is moral.  So, number one, I need to hear the word with a noble/ moral heart.  I was able to check that off my list easily; I don’t feel I struggle with morality issues.  A good heart is mentioned as well.  The first definition of good (when used as an adjective) is explained as a favorable character or tendency.  Another definition of the word is bountiful or fertile.  I found that extremely interesting since I’m speaking in terms of sowing seeds on good ground.  Although I will never be perfect, I do feel I have a good heart, and because I am willing to change the not-so-good things about me in favor of working to possess Godly qualities, I can see my heart having the ability to be both bountiful and fertile.  I wiped my brow with a happy sigh as I checked that one off the list.  I continued reading… keep it and bear fruit.  I want to bear fruit; I want people to see Jesus in me.  I think I’m doing okay at that one… check!  As I was down to reading the two last words in the sentence, I could feel the perspiration begin.  The words are, “with patience.”  Ouch!  I had to put my pen down.  There was no crossing that off my list!  Patience is not my virtue.  I waited for 15 years on the doorstep of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infertility.  The storm was brewing all around me, and with howling winds and pelting rain I stared at my watch constantly while pounding the door with my fists.  There are no mincing words… It took a long time to surrender to the will of God.

While reading Luke chapter 8, He confirmed in me that He had a new ministry for me.  He was vehement in telling me to continue to sow good seeds.  He was passionate in making sure the ground of my heart was ready, and then He said, “Wait.”  I felt as if He was audibly speaking, “Be patient, Jennifer.  I have something for you.  My timing is best.  You know, you should really know this by now.”

Since that day, I’ve been concentrating more and more on the ground of my heart.  I want it to be bountiful, fertile soil, a place where seeds will grow.  I’m working on it.  I’m striving for patience, and as much as I want to cross that word off my list, I know I can’t quite yet.  But while I’m waiting, (sometimes impatiently) I’m sowing seeds that are sprouting up new and exciting things.  Pretty soon, I just know the garden of my heart will be in full bloom.

Guess what?  I’m so super excited, I can hardly wait!  Tee hee…

Have you evaluated the ground of your heart lately?

 

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This