Mark 4:3-7

Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.

Mark 4:3-7

Has your growth in the Lord been steady or has it seen some drops along the way? The parable of the sower reminds us that there are many obstacles to spiritual growth – hardness of heart, shallow faith, worldly distractions. Look honestly on your own life. What “thorns” might be choking out the Word in your heart?

Over time there may have developed areas where your faith feels shallow or your heart hardened. Ask God to cultivate the soil of your heart, making it receptive to His truth. Commit to removing any obstacles that hinder your spiritual growth, whether it’s unhealthy relationships, misplaced priorities, or unconfessed sin. Trust that as you cooperate with God’s work in your life, He will produce a bountiful harvest.

Pastor Wade O’Neill