We all have big dreams on how we want our lives to play out and rarely do they ever go according to our plan. This is no difference when it comes to following plans that God gives us. If we look at the parable in Mark 4:28, Jesus describes a process of growing a seed. First the blade, then the ear and finally the full corn. Each stage requires a process all of its own. The initial blade will require finding the proper seed, preparing the soil and keeping the planted seed watered. Once we get an ear, tending to the plants surrounding is a key. Weeds will then try to rob the plant of water and nutrients. Pests will come to feed on the plant and try to steal from the plant before the plant reaches its full maturity. Once seed has produced a full corn we can now feast on our hard work. There is true wisdom in this short parable.
To get to the blade, we will need proper planning and preparation which sets the foundation of our future harvest. We feel true excitement when God reveals His plan for us and unfortunately God doesn’t give us the step-by-step guide on how His plan will play out. This is where we as followers of Christ need to seek God’s wisdom to find the path God put in place for us. If God’s plan is to start a new career you have to seek God to see how you start this new career path. Do you need to go back to school? If so, what school do you go to? If God put in your heart to start your own business, what business do you start and when and where do you start it? These questions can become overbearing and doubt may start to appear but you just have to hang on and trust God’s plan will lead to prosperity (Jer 29:11).
When we get to the ear, we are at the halfway point. We are now seeing our hard work start to manifest and this is where we need to protect ourselves from outside forces that will try to rob and steal our blessing. People can start trying to discourage you. Distractions can start pulling you away from achieving your plans. Know that all plans that come from God will be attacked by the enemy (John 10:10). The thief will send a full on blitz to try to steal, kill and destroy what God has planned for you. It will get hard and you may feel like quitting. But we have to trust and know that God’s plan will lead to a much better situation than we are currently in. The greater the struggle the greater reward.
When it is time to feast on our harvest, we may need to understand the full lifecycle of a plant. When plant has reached its full maturity, the plant is now able to produce seeds which can then lead to a bigger harvest. God wants us to live an abundant life when we live in Christ. If we were to waste away that first plant and not continue the reseeding process we miss God’s true blessing of living an abundant life. One blessing will lead to another blessing. The enemy will recognize your potential and realize you will be a threat so expect to be in a dog fight for every step.
When we are tested, doubt may come over us. But we have to trust God’s faithfulness and know that God’s plan will not change regardless of the obstacles and His plan will be fulfilled (Num 23:19). There is a reason why God puts us through a process. Most cases, we aren’t ready for the harvest out the gate. If you hear some of the most successful people in the world they will tell you the best lessons they learned were from their failures. When I left home for college I knew God’s plan for me was to have a successful career in IT. Of course I was excited because I knew that would eventually lead to a high paying career. I also knew this wasn’t going to happen overnight. First, I had to find a path to complete my Bachelor’s Degree which is it’s own story. Then I had to sharpen my skill set through years of experience and then I had to find the company that would allow me to grow and appreciate my skill set. There were a ton of distractions on top of the doubt when my lack of studying would catch up to me. It would have been easy to quit when things got tough but I knew God had a purpose for my life. I had several conversations with the man in the mirror and I just kept on fighting for what God had for me and eventually I got to my first harvest in my career. I didn’t get it right away but eventually I understood that God wasn’t done with my harvest. This understanding was revealed to me after I starting getting into the Word of God and meditating on God. God knows the desires of our hearts and its only when we dedicate ourselves to God that His plans will be revealed to us (Psalm 37:3-4). God is good.
Mark 4:28 KJV For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
John 10:10 ESV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Numbers 23:19 NIV God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Psalm 37:3-4 NIV Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.