Harvest of Imperishable Seeds

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 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. — Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV

I grew up in a rural section of eastern North Carolina where miles of crops lined the curvy country roads. Although both my grandparents owned farms, our family lived in town, one block from East Carolina College, with its large, lush lawn and towering trees.

My siblings and the neighborhood kids thought the sprawling college grounds were our playground. Often on hot summer days, the college organized watermelon parties on the lawn. Whenever we learned about those events, we raced to campus and mingled with the students standing in line for free watermelon. We grabbed a slice and lounged on the soft turf, biting into juicy melon and spitting seeds on the ground, wondering whether those seeds would sprout.

Whenever we darted barefoot across the grounds among the trees, I often stopped to gaze at the surrounding splendor of birds soaring in the blue sky above. As a youngster, I marveled at how the greatness of the trees began as seedlings. Even now, nature continues to instill an awareness of the magnitude and goodness of God. Whenever I observe God’s creation, I’m reminded that He created this world for our enjoyment and that we are the most treasured part of His creation.

Every Sunday after church, Granddaddy Tuck took us to dinner. In those days, Greenville had some of the best Southern barbecue in southeastern America. He would order family-style for everyone. The server placed platters of smoked pork and bowls of Brunswick stew, coleslaw, and corn sticks in the middle of a row of tables.

After lunch, my siblings and I accompanied our grandfather on a Sunday afternoon drive along the rural roads, observing fields and pastures. With my nose pressed against the windowpane, I watched neat rows of silky cornstalks and large-leaf tobacco along the roads race by. Granddaddy seldom spoke, except during our weekly ride when he openly reflected on the condition of the crops. He knew the seasons and the plants’ needs and recognized their condition by the size, shape, and color of the plants as they developed.

Seasons of either drought or downpours brought devastation. In those days, farmers plowed the land, sowed seeds, and prayed, then waited for GFarod to send the sun and rain. They did a lot of watching, praying, and waiting to see whether the crops matured. Time revealed whether they thrived and became the magnificent plants God created them to become.

While visiting our grandparents’ farms, the smell of fresh air and acres of new crops sprouting from fertile soil created an acute awareness of God. These memories have shaped who I am today, keeping me thankful and aware of God’s presence. My experiences have taught me that scripture and nature go together seamlessly. When I’m outside, my heart is full of awe for God’s creativity and divine nature. My love for our Creator deepens.

After I began writing in obedience to the Lord, the significance of planting seeds in readers’ minds and hearts inspired me to continue writing. It’s a privilege to encourage others in their walk with Jesus Christ. Although I’m not a minister or teacher, I realize my words have value. My greatest wish is for the words I write to glorify God and edify others. When I partner with the Lord instead of writing in my strength, he plants the seeds in people who will flourish and bear vibrant fruit. But our words are nothing compared to the power of God’s Word.

Holy scripture and our testimony combined can change the trajectory of a person’s life. It’s more than the words we speak, but the ones we allow to take root in our minds and hearts as well. Both our words and deeds are seeds. The scripture tells us that God’s word, “It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55, NIV).

Just as rain is living water to plants, which produce growth and yield abundance, God’s Word will produce good fruit. His words are true, and the harvest is great. Since Christians are ambassadors for Christ, we consider the words we write and speak because His words are imperishable seeds when planted in the minds and hearts of others. Our actions originate from the thoughts and words we contemplate. When we accept and follow Christ, we are born of his imperishable Spirit.

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Prayer — God, you are awe-inspiring! Your plan is for nature and the Bible to draw us to the well of living water that quenches our thirsty souls. Refreshing water that sustains. Help me sow words that glorify and point others to our Savior. Forgive me when I live as if my actions and words aren’t important. I pray that the seeds I spread are pure and fall on the fertile soil of people’s hearts. Lord, I trust that the words I’ve sown will flourish and produce a bountiful harvest to glorify you. Help me scatter seeds of eternal promise whenever I share the good news of redemption. Father, I desire to receive the abundant life that comes through acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior. Amen.

Your turn — Reflecting on God’s word reminds us to walk with Him. With faith, we step into the unknown, dependent on our savior. God gives us the confidence, strength, and ability to carry out what we are called to do. Deciding to trust and follow Jesus is the ultimate choice we will make while on Earth, as it determines our soul’s future home.

Consider these questions: What seeds have I planted throughout my lifetime? Am I in tune with God about when to sow or reap? What kind of harvest do I expect from the seeds I’ve sown? Do I show gratitude for the good seeds others have sown in my life?