Fallow Ground

Last Sunday as my red van rolled along the dirt road departing UCYC, this prayer came to my lips, “LORD, may those seeds take root and grow.” You see, for weeks prior to UN1TE, there had been a theme in preparation for the message God asked me to prepare: fallow ground. What did that mean? The definition of fallow in reference to farmland is “plowed but left unsown for a period in order to restore its fertility.” Over time it became clear to me this “fallow ground” was the hearts of women hardened by hurt, disappointment, and brokenness; but God wanted to redeem and restore their hearts through His love.

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells the story of a farmer planting seeds in his field. The story tells that some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them; these seeds represent those who hear the message about God’s kingdom but don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed planted in their hearts.

…other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock, which represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy but fall away as soon as they have problems.

 …other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants, which represent those who hear God’s Word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth. 

…some seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced an abundant crop. This seed represents my prayer for YOU – those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a great harvest!

Seeds of truth, hope, and love were sown last weekend. God worked His redemption and restoration in many hearts. He planted NEW seed in fallow ground to restore your life to fruitfulness (productiveness, luxuriance, richness).

Water the seed by listening to the Master Gardner – Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4, emphasis added). Take time daily to express your heart of gratitude, tell Him of your love, and ask Him for help. Open your Bible (His voice to you) and listen to His exhortation and expression of love.

No doubt, as you nurture this NEW seed daily, it will take root and grow!!

Joy OLander
Grow with Me's Founder & Director
www.growithme.com

The Gospel for Anxious Women

The whole thing was so ridiculous I could hardly take my toddler seriously. My husband and I were bringing food from the kitchen to the table when she panicked that she wouldn’t get dinner.

I hollered over my shoulder, “Don’t worry sweetheart, we’ll bring you food.”

Tears burst out, “I wowwied, Mommy! I wowwied!”

Eventually she acknowledged that -- in theory -- we always feed her. But as soon as it was time for seconds she lost it again, “I need something to eat. Daddy’s going to eat it all gone!”

Later that night my husband remarked, “She really doesn’t believe we’re good.”

I began feeling uncomfortable. The incident made me laugh, but I knew that I was the punchline. I’m the ridiculous one who worries that God won’t give me bread.

As soon as anxiety comes up I shift my weight a bit looking for a more comfortable place to go. I know that it’s ridiculous. I can’t shake it.

“But,” someone will say, “the Bible tells us exactly what to do about anxiety!”

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

The guilt piles on because I have said all those magic words. I have said them with thanksgiving. They didn’t cast out my anxiety.

But the Bible is not a book of spells. It is a book about a Person. Before Paul tells us anything about anxiety he reminds us in verse 5, “The Lord is near.”

The Lord is near. Therefore, do not be anxious about anything.

Who is the Lord? What is he like? He is true. He is noble and pure. He is right. He is altogether lovely.

He is admirable. He is excellent. He is praiseworthy.

What do we do when thoughts of our kids or our marriage or our jobs are filled with anxiety? What do we do when it’s three in the morning and no matter how many times we flip over or how we arrange the covers our anxious thoughts linger?

The Psalmist writes, “On my bed I remember you, I think of you through the watches of the night” (Psalm 63:6).

The Lord is near. Remember Him. Has He promised to take care of His children? Has He promised to work evil for good? Tell yourself the story, the gospel story. He did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for you. After all that will He now withhold something that you need? Tell yourself what God is like. He is good. Think on these things.

Melissa McDonald
Author
www.thecrossandthekitchensink.com