Ah! After a long dry spell, there is nothing better than clouds that send blessings of rain. Rain waters the earth and makes it bud and flourish. Withering plants are revived to produce seeds which eventually yield a harvest for those living on earth.

The prophet Isaiah explains this process in Isaiah 55:10. Then He likens rain and snow to God’s word. “[S]o 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 55:11).

In the New Testament, we find Jesus teaching The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4). He explains that as the farmer sows the word, the people (compared to seed) respond differently. Some fall prey to Satan. Some demonstrate sudden growth but fall away quickly due to an inability to persevere through troubles. Others are overcome and deceived by worldly worries making them unable to produce fruit. Finally, some grow and flourish, producing seed and a crop.

As believers, our task is to spread God’s Word. We pray that as we share our testimony and point others to Jesus that the seeds of truth will not be stolen by Satan. Sometimes we encourage and water or teach believers, especially those new in the faith. Other times we help pull weeds, pointing out areas of deception.

But even if we see little or no ‘crop,’ our job is to tell the Good News. Multiplication is God’s job. Let’s review God’s promise in Isaiah. “[My word] will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11b).

May we garden well!