Nurturing the Seed of God

When we were still living in South Africa, there was a time when we lived on a small farm. My mom happened to be visiting us from Durban, and we treasured every moment she was with us. One day, as we were enjoying our time together, we suddenly heard gunshots—very close to our home.

Ken and his secretary, Denise, were in the office next to our house. Ken quickly came over to check on us and then decided to investigate the source of the shots. We had a beautiful driveway lined with trees, but on that day, it seemed like a long walk.

My mom and I immediately began to pray and felt a supernatural peace. Denise joined us, while our son, Clayton—who was fifteen years old at the time—followed his dad. We could still hear the shots and later discovered that some had passed right by Ken and Clayton. Clayton even felt the ‘wind’ of one.

Ken, however, had an assignment in God. A well-organized gang of thieves had held up a store. Across the road from where we lived was a dirt road where they had parked a getaway van. As the gang was switching cars, the police arrived, and shots were exchanged. One policeman was shot and later died. (The police eventually caught the entire gang and uncovered their connection to a larger criminal network, bringing them all to justice.)

As Ken arrived on the scene, a shot was fired. Sadly, it was a policeman who had been hit. His partner that day was his own brother. Both were Christians. Ken, along with the surviving brother, prayed for the fallen officer. Though he lost his brother that day, having another brother in Christ stand with him in the midst of it all provided considerable strength. Ken later visited him in the hospital and continued to support him in prayer.

So, how could Ken and Clayton walk fearlessly into danger? How did we experience peace in the midst of such chaos? I believe it was the amazing grace of God. Nothing within us naturally could make that possible. Instead, it is who God is—all things are possible with Him.

I often think back to that time and reflect on the keys God used both then and in other situations. Of course, God is not limited to any specific key, but there are principles He uses repeatedly. In this case, the primary key was the Word of God.

Living on a small farm in South Africa was not always safe, but we knew God had provided it for us. Therefore, we were confident we were in His will—that was one key. Over the years, God had strengthened our faith in the area of protection through His Word. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). As a young Christian, I had focused on scriptures that opposed fear because I had battled a spirit of fear. I found strength in Psalm 91:1, John 4:4 & 18, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 41:13, and Romans 8:15. I read these verses repeatedly.

The Word of God comes to us in seed form. As we nurture that seed, the revelation of its truth comes alive. So, how do we nurture that seed?

When we read the Word of God, we should do so with a hunger for its truth to take root in our hearts. When we approach it with that heart, the soil of our hearts is ready to receive the Word. It is an attitude of interest, a desire to learn, and a leaning into the heart of God. When we do this, we truly hear the Word of God.

A seed grows on its own, but it needs water and sunlight. In the same way, we must water the seed of the Word by retaining it—meditating on it, holding it in our hearts, and savoring it as we would every bite of a nourishing meal.

With perseverance, we must stand firm on the Word of God, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than our circumstances. In His amazing grace, God gives us small opportunities to grow in the truth of His Word.

On that day, when God’s peace pervaded our dangerous circumstances, His Word was the foundation. He had a seed to work with—a seed that had been given the opportunity to grow. Slowly, it had matured, and the revelation of God’s protection was there when we needed it most.

God’s grace is sufficient for us in every situation. Sometimes, I hear of challenges others face and think, I could never go through that. And it’s true—at that moment, I don’t have the grace for it, but they do. When something comes my way, God gives me the grace to walk through it, just as He did that day on the farm. Faith rose up, built on His Word, and fear did not enter our household. The amazing grace of our Lord Jesus covered the entire event. We were able to pray for everyone involved. Ken and Clayton walked safely, and Ken was able to stand with a brother in Christ and pray with him.

Thank You, Lord, for Your Word.

Your Word brings us revelation of Who You are. This Word unfolds the mysteries of the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:11). Your Word brings healing to our whole bodies (Proverbs 4:20-22). It is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

In addition, Your Word:

• Renews our minds: Romans 12:1-2

• Is our foundation for life: Matthew 7:24-27

• Teaches and corrects us: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• Trains us to live in right standing with God and people: Proverbs 13:3, 21:3, 16:23-24

• Breaks open hard places—it is a fire and a hammer: Jeremiah 23:29

• Is the Sword of the Spirit: Ephesians 6:17

• Probes the heart and mind: Hebrews 4:12

• Shows us who we are and moves us forward: James 1:21-25

• Brings conviction: Acts 2:37

• Gives life and salvation: 1 Peter 1:23

• Matures us: 1 Peter 2:2

• Produces faith: Romans 10:17

• Heals us: Psalm 107:20

• Gives hope: Romans 15:4

• Washes and sanctifies us: Ephesians 5:26

• Builds us up and gives us an inheritance: Acts 20:32

  
  

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

Thank You, Lord, for Your Word!