The Art of Sowing Seeds of Faith - Serenity in Suffering

Part of welcoming spring is the enjoyment of watching new growth emerge through the soil, leaves budding on trees and shrubs, and flowers unfolding. Sowing seeds for new plants provides another delightful aspect of spring’s arrival. It seems no matter how many flowers or plants may grace your garden, the joy of planting something new belongs to spring. Contemplating spring’s call for renewal, planting and growth, brought to mind another type of sowing. The art of sowing seeds of faith, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. Can we ever have enough faith?

We have several beautiful garden areas on our property, but we have one particular area where nothing seems to prosper due to extended exposure to the afternoon sun. My husband relocated some of the plants to other gardens, leaving a perplexing problem for this area right in front of our house. After much research he came on what we hope is the answer; creeping thyme. Apparently this plant is relatively indestructible, drought resistant and loves the afternoon sun, even in the summer months.

Deciding to pursue this project from seed, we planted them a couple of weeks ago. Seeds vary in germination time, but one thing is common for all seeds; waiting. Each time you plant seeds, you wait and hope for the promised result. Learning the art of sowing seeds of faith requires patience and nurturing as when planting flower or vegetable seeds. In fact, Hebrews 11:1 illustrates the connection between hope and faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

why we sow

Aside from the resiliency of the creeping thyme we planted, we planted it for its beauty. It flaunts gorgeous close cropped flowers of various hues of purple, which look stunning in contrast to surrounding grass. Visual enjoyment compels us to plant gardens, but we also plant vegetable gardens for food, herbs for medicinal help, and we plant for the sheer joy of gardening! Spring shrouds us in hope, the promise of new life all around we sneak peek after peek at our garden beds, shrubs and trees for the evidence of the unseen life hidden within.

The serenity of spring beckons us look within, celebrate the new nature renewed day by day. For as nature celebrates the seasons, we too, celebrate spiritual seasons of change and growth. We sow seeds of faith also that we might reap a harvest, show forth the beauty of Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, (Hebrews 12:2) and receive sustenance for the strengthening of our inner man.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10:17

how we sow

As with all seeds and plantings, the only way of ensuring the desired result is following the planting instructions. At times in my haste, I planted seeds without even a glance at the seed packet’s guidance. Of course, receiving the joy of the desired result was as inconsistent as my efforts. My husband and I employed all diligence in planting our creeping thyme, preparing the soil, removing weeds and grass, checking the weather forecast and ensuring the seeds were not too deeply planted. We followed up three times daily assuring the seeds were kept moist and protected. Entering week three, they are sprouting!

If we desire the art of sowing seeds of faith, we must likewise attend to methods of sowing offering us a successful harvest. Faith is cultivated, as the creeping thyme seeds we planted. If we fail to tend the seeds we plant, no growth occurs; faith cannot grow without tending. Romans 10:17 reminds us faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Sowing seeds of faith whether in our own lives or the lives of ours requires preparation, cultivation and adversity.

Sowing Seeds of Faith

• Preparation. We must prepare the soil of our heart for the seeds of faith to grow. “Reading” the instructions in God’s Word, and hiding that Word in our heart through memorization. The “weeds” of sinful desires and worldly worries must be removed or the seeds of faith cannot grow. (Matthew 13:22-23)
• Cultivation. Nurturing the seeds of faith involves watering the seed regularly with the Word of God, feeding the seed with gratitude and protecting the seed through obedience to God.
• Adversity. Submitting to adversity strengthens our faith. Adversity builds resilience, trust and confidence in God. Romans 5:3-5 encourages us with the patience and hope secured through tribulation.

where we sow

Gardening is all about location. Regardless of whether your property receives morning sun or afternoon sun, is mostly shady or very little shade, there are plants for every location! Like most home owners we have a combination of sunny and shady areas, and through research and trial and error, found the best plants for each area of our property. No matter how much tending you provide certain plants or seeds, they simply cannot grow in the wrong location.

One aspect of the art of sowing seeds of faith in others, is sensitivity to the “location” requirements. Meaning, sensitivity to the personality, needs, or responsiveness of those entrusted to your care. As with our physical gardens, we observe sparse areas in need of more plants; we may discern sparse areas of faith in family and friends.

Sowing Seeds of Faith in Others

We not only receive and cultivate seeds of faith in our own lives, but God desires we also sow seeds of faith in the lives of others. As Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, we must remember we sow, but God gives the growth.

• Prayerful Preparation. Prayerful preparation helps awaken our sensitivity to the needs of others. It also helps us avoid impure motives and “fear of man”. At times we focus too much on our own concept of what faith should look like in the lives of family or friends, hastily planting seeds of faith. Other times, we care more about our earthly relationship with someone than whether they join us in heaven, avoiding the sowing of seeds.
• Careful Cultivation. Sensitivity and diligence in understanding the needs of others aids our efforts in the best manner of cultivating seeds of faith planted in the lives of those we love. Everyone “grows” at different rates and in different ways. Cultivating the seeds of faith in a child is diverse from that of a teen or older adult.
• Intentional Influence. Influence presents the best method for nurturing seeds of faith in others. Living your faith out before friends and family encourages others going through adversity. Sharing a testimony, sermon notes or a Bible study all provide nourishment for faith to others. Imparting scripture as encouragement is a powerful tool for strengthening another’s faith.

the art of sowing seeds of faith

The art of sowing seeds of faith involves patience, diligence and trust in God. As with the creeping thyme seeds we planted, faith emerges out of darkness. Diligent cultivation of faith through exposure to the light of God’s Word, ruthless battling of sin and submission to the will of God nurtures faith in our lives. Prayerful transparency, sensitive sowing of God’s Word, and intentional influence supports faith in those we love.

Privileged as sowers of the seeds of faith both in our own lives and the lives of others, ultimately God brings the growth. At times He steps into our lives and bolsters our faith with a promise form His Word. Most often, He chooses to strengthen our faith through others. In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus warns Peter of satan’s “sifting”; while at the same time assuring Peter of His prayers for Peter’s faith to remain strong. He further tells Peter after his trial of faith he is to strengthen his brothers.

All of the disciples experienced a crisis of faith with Christ’s execution; did Christ pray for them? Without a doubt He did. But it was for Peter Jesus asked the Father for specific strength regarding his faith. Satan’s sifting of Peter broke his pride and self-reliance, which after his restoration allowed God to use Peter to strengthen the others. Jesus provided for the others by providing for Peter. May we grasp the art of sowing seeds of faith so that as God strengthens us, we may also strengthen others with the comfort of knowing in Christ our faith cannot fail.

Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.

C.S. Lewis

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