Seeds, Patience, and the Promise of Harvest

When Growth Is Slow but Sure

He also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain, first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.’”

— Mark 4:26–29 (NIV)

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Jesus paints a picture here of how the Kingdom of God works. Just like a seed planted in the ground, growth happens slowly, mysteriously, and beyond our control. This parable is rich with encouragement for our faith journey. It reminds us to be patient, to trust God’s unseen work, and to rest in the certainty of His promises.

Here are four truths we can take to heart:

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1. Spiritual Growth Is Gradual

“First the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.” Growth unfolds in stages. It doesn’t happen instantly.

This is good news for us as women who sometimes feel like we should already “be there” spiritually or that others should be further along in their faith. God’s Kingdom never rushes. He is patient with us, and we must be patient with ourselves and others too. Every stage of growth matters.

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2. The Process Is Often Unseen but Active

The farmer doesn’t see what’s happening beneath the soil, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening.

The same is true in our lives. Even when we can’t perceive change, God is working beneath the surface of our circumstances, our hearts, and our prayers. Seasons of waiting are not wasted seasons, they are sacred times where hidden growth is taking place.

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3. The Harvest Is Certain

The parable ends with the farmer gathering the ripe grain. The harvest always comes in God’s timing.

This gives us hope in two ways: the smaller “harvests” we see now - the answered prayers, growing faith, lives transformed, and the ultimate harvest when Christ returns and God’s Kingdom is fully realized. His work always leads to fruit, and nothing can stop His promises from being fulfilled.

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4. Our Role: Faithfulness, Not Control

The farmer scatters seed, but he cannot make it grow. His role is obedience; the growth belongs to God.

What a freeing truth this is for us. We don’t have to control the outcome of our efforts, our ministries, or even the people we love and pray for. Our part is to sow the seed faithfully through love, prayer, encouragement, and truth and trust God to do the work only He can do.

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✨ Take Heart, Sister

If you feel weary from waiting, if you wonder whether your prayers matter, or if you’re longing for fruit you haven’t yet seen, remember this parable. God is always at work, even in the unseen. Growth may be slow, but it is certain. Keep sowing faithfully, and trust the Lord of the harvest.

Have a wonderful week!

~Jennifer ☀️

photo credit: Kamonwan Wankaew www.unsplash.com