THE WORD 4 ev 1

Read Mark 4 (click here for link)

Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?
—Mark 4:30

In Mark chapter 4, Jesus uses several analogies about seed to describe the kingdom of God. And yet the crowds—even his own disciples—have a difficult time understanding him. But isn’t that the way God seems to work in your life, as well? Things are never as we expect them to be. You keep looking for the kingdom of God to manifest itself in your life, and just when you begin to despair, you turn a corner in life and suddenly it unfolds right before your very eyes.

Lately, I have been thinking about such things. As a pastor here at Epiphany, there are many things that I am responsible for and ministries that I oversee. But sometimes it can start to seem more like busy work. The new small group program that will begin this January is a good example. Working toward this has been a huge stress in my life the past few months. I keep thinking and distressing about it. I worry…

What if it doesn’t work?

How am I going to get everything organized when I have sermons to write and other things that need to get done?

What if people don’t sign up?

But you know what… the kingdom is out of my hands! God’s kingdom is like a seed. I may plant it, but I can’t make it germinate; that is entirely in God’s hands.

Jesus assures us today the Kingdom of God is outside our every expectation. In fact, it often turns up where we least expect it—like a small seed which quickly grows into a healthy plant. Your challenge is to trust the calling God has given you and the work you are doing for him even when it seems you are tilling barren soil, because if just one of those seeds you are sowing sprouts, it will grow into a mighty and fruitful tree.

Sometimes, I just have to remember to keep working hard. God will be faithful. His kingdom will come. The question is: Am I hoping for my will or His will be done?

One thing is for sure, it is lot less stressful if you simply pray for His will to be done—because it always will! Then you have nothing to worry about.

Peace,
Pastor Aaron