“Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” -Luke 13:18-20

Often times when we want to change in an area, we want results immediately. In today’s world, it is certainly not popular or convenient to wait for anything. However, when we look at the way God created things, it only makes sense that we would expect things to take time to grow. For example, we would think it would be very strange if we planted a seed for an apple tree and it grew overnight. God created this natural world in a way that parallels what occurs in our own lives, both spiritually and physically.

When we look at Luke chapter 13, we can see how Jesus paralleled the two. He explained that if we were going to grow in the things of God and have them produce change in our lives, then it would happen just like a seed that has been planted in the ground. When we spend time studying the Word of God, it is like a seed that we plant in our hearts. If we nourish and water it daily, those things that we plant will grow a little by little until it accomplishes what it was created to do in our lives. This process will occur just like a seed planted in the ground.

If we want real growth in any area of our life, we must realize that it starts when we plant the Word of God in our hearts. As we protect and nourish that seed (see Proverbs 4:20-27), then we can expect that the Word is growing roots down deep in our lives that will eventually bring forth change that will be visible to you and everyone around you. When a tree is produced from God’s Word in our lives, others will be able to come and benefit from the strength and shade of that tree, just as the birds can benefit from a tree in the natural. Let’s make the decision to begin the process of growth today. We can be sure that when we plant God’s Word (which is the seed) in our hearts that we will produce a life that will be strong and immovable and will be a place of refreshment to others.

Prayer: “Lord, today I am making up my mind to begin the daily process of constant growth. I am determined to start putting the Word in my heart consistently. I know that as I do, there is growth and change taking place on the inside of me, even before I see it. I thank you for helping me to guard my heart and to nourish the truths that are planted in my heart. Help me to stay consistent until life-giving fruit is produced in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”