Sunday, August 3, 2014

Weekend Worship—Planting Seeds

I planted the seed. Apollos watered it. But God made it grow. I Corinthians 3:6

I’ve talked with a lot of writers through the years. One recurring question I get is about where they should focus their efforts. They struggle with whether to submit this article, write this devotion, try authoring a book. I encourage them to try it all.

My answer generally catches them by surprise.

I take a different approach when it comes to the decision of what to write about. I approach it like a farmer sowing seeds. I’ve never seen a farmer pull out a handful of seeds, search through them and choose only one or two to plant.

What I’ve seen is farmers sowing handfuls of seeds at a time, casting them into the prepared soil. They do this knowing that not all seeds take root and grow. As writers, we would do well to follow this model.

I’m not advocating that writers start a dozen different things without finishing any. I’m not even suggesting that a writer certain of where she’s called, move too far away from that. But I am telling you that although we make plans—in obedience—God decides what grows. And it only makes sense to walk through the doors that seem to have been opened.


So take a chance, toss those seeds out. You may be surprised by what takes root and grows into a harvest.

6 comments:

  1. Thanks Edie for this post. I consider all aspects of my ministries as planting seeds. This is exactly what I needed today. I need to view my writing challenges also as planting seeds. I know God wants to put the unknown pieces of my future together. I have to apply seed planting as a part of my writing as well.

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    1. Elaine, so glad this came at a timely moment for you. Blessings, E

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  2. Edie, I have been floundering of late. What to write? Then where to send it? Thank you for the seed concept. I am going to move ahead with those thoughts in mind . . . I'll water and leave it in God's garden to grow where he can use it. Blessings to you and thank you for your wisdom.

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    1. Vi, it's so easy to think too small. I'm often not even aware that I'm doing it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Blessings, E

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  3. I'm a counselor/author and I use this same metaphor with my clients, sowing a variety of seeds. I love having open hands, sowing seeds in various ways in various places in my life, excited to see which seeds God will grow when. It brings a sense of hope and excitement to each day.

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    1. Judy, I love the extension of the thought - "having open hands, sowing seeds in various ways in varies places in my life." Thanks so much for sharing your insights! Blessings, E

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