FERTILE GROUND

FERTILE GROUND

As a child of God, I often go thru trials; react to the trials; and grow from them. We all do!!! This is a three part process that all Christians experience in their walk with the Lord. The second part of this process is often the one that causes us the most stress—our reaction to a trial that has beset us. It is in this reaction process that we are most likely to respond in a way that is uncharacteristic of a Christian walk. Often we do, or say, things when we are in a trial that we later regret. After it is over we think, “I wish I hadn’t said that”; “I shouldn’t have reacted that way”. Then we must go thru a “forgiveness” process to amend the way we reacted. I have done this often; so have you—and I know we both love the Lord and don’t mean to do it!

Recently I went to the Lord in prayer about this very “fault” of mine. He answered me with the caring voice of a loving Father. What follows is His explanation of why this happens!!

 

Follow me in this example: a loved one will say something that hurts just a little; you dismiss it because you are pretty sure “that’s not how he/she meant it”. Later in the day another remark…mmmmmm and then another. None of the remarks spoken by themselves would cause a reaction from you, but an accumulating effect of all the remarks causes you to respond out of hurt or anger. An explanation from the loved one: “I didn’t mean anything by what I said”; yet your outburst has caused a painful situation both ways. Then the remorse, “I wish I hadn’t reacted in that way”. Now you understand what I am talking about. It does not need to be a loved one–; perhaps a friend; the pastor of your church; a co-worker can do the same.

But why does this happen???

My Father gently explained it to me this way. In us all we have a place called “fertile ground”; a place where, once seeds are planted, they will grow if we nurture them. These can be seeds of love, kindness, charity—or seeds planted by the enemy of discontent, hurt, etc. The purpose of this letter is to expound on the latter.

When that first “offhand” remark was made, it hurt; perhaps just a little, but it was sown in the “fertile ground”; there to lie dormant until the “next remark” caused it to sprout—growing ever larger until the outburst from you of its fruit!

Jesus spoke in Matthew 13:23-30 (kjv) of the tares among the wheat. It could readily be applied in the scenario I just wrote. You see, satan plants seeds (tares) in the fertile ground too. He well knows you, and the accumulative effect these latter incidents will have; and the effect they will have to make the seed to sprout and grow into a tare! He is patient and thorough, and will not let up with the “whispers”; the goading; until you erupt in anger or retribution.

So how do we stop him?? It is really quite simple; again as explained by my Father in heaven. At the first supposedly hurtful remark, say aloud—“satan I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. I will not let you plant your poisonous seed in me!” Whether the seed is doubt, hurt, discouragement, or a myriad of others cast by satan, it will not enter the fertile ground. We have the Father’s promise in this. Think about it; pray on it! Keep your “fertile ground” pure for the proper seed that bears the good fruit and you will become more like Jesus with every sprouting seed! May Jehovah God bless you with your new weapon against satan. Amen, Amen, Amen

Charles E. Branthoover