Photo by Finn Mund on Unsplash
God spoke, and the land appeared—dry ground emerging from the waters, ready to receive every seed-bearing plant and tree (Genesis 1:9–13). He prepared the earth for abundance. Creation itself was made to grow. God prepares us for growth—not instantly, but intentionally. Just as soil must be tilled, watered, and enriched, so our souls are shaped over time by God’s presence and Word.
Have you ever tried to grow tomatoes in a patch of dry backyard soil. Maybe each year you would plant new seeds with hope, but the plants rarely thrived. Finally someone who knew what you needed gave you advice, and asked have you fertilized the soil? Soil needed compost, time, and care. After that, like you’ve seen on the commercials, the tomatoes came in thick and sweet. More than planting, we have to prepare.
“Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:8 ESV)
Jesus reminds us that good soil is what produces a harvest. In our lives, this “soil” is a receptive heart—softened by surrender and open to the Word. It takes effort and patience to become that kind of soil, but when we do, the harvest is rich.
“The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” (Mark 4:28 ESV)
This verse gives us permission to grow slowly. Transformation doesn’t happen in a moment—it unfolds in steps. When we meditate on Scripture, God works beneath the surface, bringing forth fruit we may not even see at first.
Spiritual Move: Meditation – Focus on a verse or image from creation today. Let it ground you in God’s steady presence.
Journaling Prompt: How has your faith been like soil—dry, shallow, or rich? Where is God cultivating something new?
Live the Work: Dig deeper. Soften your heart with stillness and Scripture. Let the Spirit grow what He has planted.