The Dark Season

“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
1 Corinthians 3:5-6

When a seed is planted, there is a season where nothing is visible from the surface. Although the seed’s roots are beginning to sprout and dig into the soil, there is no life above the ground. In Matthew 13, Jesus explains that there are multiple responses to God’s Word. The sower sows generously, but only some of the seeds take root and flourish. Root work takes time and is aided by continued watering and nurturing. When we share God’s Word with others, it is easy to become discouraged when we see little or no fruit. We may struggle with wondering whether our efforts are effective. While we want to develop and increase our skill at sharing God’s salvation, we must remember that all new life and growth comes from God. Each type of seed has a unique gestational period. When we surrender our efforts to God, we can battle the discouragement that comes from listeners who do not appear to accept the Word of God offered to them.

 “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it.”  Thomas Fuller