Topic: Avoid a ‘Stony Heart’ [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 18 August 2021
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Above Only Daily Devotional
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18, 2021
Avoid a ‘Stony Heart’
Matthew 13:3-6, 20-21 (NKJV)
“Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed,….. Some fell on Stony places , where they did not have much earth ; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched , and because they had no root they withered away. *…..this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy ; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
The fact that the seeds sown in stony ground immediately sprung up was not a guarantee of their success or fruitfulness as plants. The manner in which the plants responded to the scorching sun was a much more important determinant. Similarly, it is good to be excited and zealous about God and His word , but it is not your excitement in a church service or immediately after studying God’s word that determines how fruitful you will be. What determines fruitfulness is your ability to anchor and yield yourself to the word of God as you endure hard times and challenges .
Remaining excited and committed to God during trying times is what causes you to grow. When you can count it all joy during trials and times of testing of your faith , strength is produced in you. You are being completed or matured for where God is taking you (James 1:2-4).
Ironically, the seeds sown on the stony ground did not spring up early because the seeds or the soil were special. They sprung up because there was a lack of depth in the earth, i.e., shallow soil that prevented the roots from taking hold and developing. In other words, it was not the sun that caused the plants to wither but the fact that they had no roots. When the word of God lacks depth and roots in us , it will result in an inability to ensure times of trials and temptation. We will only endure for a little while before we grow offended and/or give up. The backbone of character is the ability to endure. Let God’s word seep so deep in your heart that even in times of challenges, you yield yourself to God and His word instead of hardening your heart. Remember, in much the same way the sun is needed for plants to grow , challenges are also needed for us to grow.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please let your word have depth and take root in me. Help me to yield myself to You and hold on to Your word, particularly in trying times.
Bible In One Year Reading Plan
Esther 1:1-3:15, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Psalm 35:17-28 & Proverbs 21:19-20.