“Now the parable is this: the seed is the Word of God.” Luke 8:11
Ten days ago, I was sitting in a coffee shop—with a joyful floodgate of tears streaming down my face—as I had the most moving conversation with my best friend, [Luna], over a phone call I will never forget.
She was so excited to share with me the good news: she had accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She shared about the miracle that he did in her life through changing her heart.
During this conversation, she told me the Lord took away all her fears in a single day, about how he has relieved her of temptations and burdens she has fought for years, and about how she wants to praise God with her whole heart in all she does in life. She even prayed with me and for me and asked if she could do women’s ministry when I get back; she told me she will share her testimony with any and everyone for the sake of God’s glory.
Thank you, King Jesus.
Then, she thanked me for “planting the seeds” in her heart so that the Lord could use this year to grow her into a tree (in his salvation).
She spoke of the power of the Holy Spirit living within us and giving us understanding, wisdom, perfect peace, and words to speak.
Over the last ten days, I’ve heard the term “planting seeds” maybe ten times—from God, from the Bible, from [Luna], from two other best friends, from our Albanian ministry host, from our Honduras host’s daughter, and then three times in prayer this morning.
Okay, Lord, are you trying to tell me something?
What does God’s Word say about planting seeds?
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
“Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.” Ecclesiates 11:6
Planting seeds is one of the most profound things we can do for God’s Kingdom.
I share this story about my best friend to boast only about Jesus’s power and love. He made a way for me to meet [Luna], to plant seeds within her heart through the power of the Holy Spirit, and to pray for her.
God could have done all this without me, but he was gracious to let me partner with him in ministry; he was gracious to let me meet my best friend—one of the kindest and most amazing people I have ever known; he was gracious to relentlessly pursue her and change her heart.
“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.” Galatians 6:14
The seeds we plant for God are so important, and we often don’t get to see them grown into the beautiful trees they are meant to be.
We have to accept this and keep planting seeds.
The glory is not for us; it is always for Jesus.
How can we plant seeds? Ask the Spirit to lead you.
Maybe he will lead you to mention his name to your barista when she asks you why you’re filled with such joy.
Maybe a seed will be planted in sacrificially helping your co-worker with a task during your lunch break, when all you really want to do is have a nice lunch alone.
Maybe it looks like showing kindness to the stranger in the grocery store who was rude to you.
Maybe the Lord will lead you to notice someone who, unbenounced to you, doesn’t feel seen or loved by anyone.
Maybe planting seeds is writing out notes with Bible verses to pass out to people on the streets letting them know they are seen and loved by Jesus.
Maybe it’s giving your best friend a Bible in her native tongue.
Remember, Jesus can use anything to change someone’s heart. It’s our job to be attuned to the voice of the Spirit and to be obedient to where and how God wants us to plant seeds.
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, Holy Savior:
You are worthy of all our praise for the seeds we get to plant with you. You are worthy of praise for who you are. Thank you for your grace, for your deep love and endless pursuit of each heart, for the power and movement of your Holy Spirit, and for wanting a real relationship with each soul. Thank you for my best friend. She is one of the biggest and best blessings in my life. Please lead us to continue planting seeds according to Your will, Jesus.
“For there will be peace for the seed: the vine will yield its fruit, the land will yield its produce and the heavens will give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things.” Zechariah 8:12
Thanks for sharing. Always a joy to see God at work…and to hear how he uses you as part of the process!
Amazing how God orchestrates His Body to meet the needs of each other. Thanks for planting and may God bring forth his fruit in due season. Fruit that will last!
Victoria, I’m so happy for Luna and that you were able to see the seeds you planted in her grow; therefore, she may tell others about Jesus and she now has eternal life! WOW!
It’s so exciting to watch the Holy Spirit at work…to see how God works through those who have a relationship with Him to help others come to know Christ!
I’m praying God’s blessings and protection for Luna, for you, for your team, and for your squad!
I love you so much, and I’m very proud of you!