Growth unto Greatness (Friday, Week 3, Year 1)

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We pay little attention to seeds when they are sown. We are not bothered so much about what happens to them and the processes they must go through before germination. The phenomenon of germination and eventual growth must take place within the context of death, decay and further complicated struggles against harsh elements which eventually pave way for new life. Seeds must be subjected to heat, they must die and decay; and out of complicated struggles within the soil, a new life emerges.

All things being equal, the farmer BELIEVES that there must be germination and growth. But he does not know how it comes about. Yes, the farmer will be guided by his agricultural knowledge but still he may still operate within the ambience of faith, not necessarily faith in God but faith in the capacity of the seeds to germinate if all conditions for germination and growth are met. That is why the gospel (cf. Mk. 4:26-34) tells us about a man who scattered seeds upon the ground and went away, not caring to know how the seeds would spout and grow.

The second part of the gospel says something about the mustard seed. The mustard seed is not bothered about its size. Despite its size, the mustard seed BELIEVES that it is destined to germinate and grow into the greatest of all shrubs. How it would happen, it does not know. There will always be a factor of faith permeating the entire process.

In Heb. 10:32-39, it is hinted that against the background of afflictions, pains and sufferings, the Jewish Christians (to whom the letter was primarily addressed) survived and lived by faith and hope as they endured, believed and remained confident that there would be better days ahead. There will always be a factor of faith in every struggle for growth and survival.
       
Just like seeds sown in the soil, the seeds of the Kingdom sown in our hearts must face setbacks as it struggles to germinate and grow. Sometimes, the setbacks may come in the form of doubts, complacency, real life sufferings and contradictions. As the seeds GO THROUGH them, they GROW THROUGH them. On our part, what we need are faith, hope, endurance, confidence and resolute spirit to go through the struggles of life and grow through them.

Prayer:
May we continue to grow and never suffocated in the maze of life, Amen!

Have a victorious day!


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