Plant a Seed
July 09, 2025
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)
At the core of my story and everyone’s faith story, is the Holy Spirit. It is God, through the Holy Spirit that calls us to Himself. Paul acknowledged this in Galatians 1:15-16:
But God chose me before I was born. By His loving-favor He called me to work for Him. His Son was to be seen in me. He did this so I could preach about Christ…
We never ‘bring people to Jesus.’ God does that through us. We participate in this miracle, but we do not cause it. And that is why sometimes it happens quickly and sometimes it takes years, as it did for me – I spent my first 30-some years as an unbeliever. We can’t change God’s timeline. However, it IS necessary for us to do the things that God can use to bring a believer to Him.
They say that statistically, it will take between 7 to 18 times hearing a gospel presentation before a person decides to make a commitment to Christ. It did for me. But then there’s the Billy Graham Crusades and Revivals where people commit on their very first invitation.
Another statistic is that most Christians will make their faith decision between the ages of 4-14. This highlights the importance of VBS, Sunday School and Youth Rallies. But those decisions won’t likely happen in a vacuum. Someone along the way (grandparents, aunts and uncles, parents, friends, etc.) will have planted seeds earlier that finally blossom.
So, don’t be afraid to mention Jesus, and grace and blessings in your casual conversations. Force yourself to ask people if you can pray for them about something in their life. All these things plant a seed of faith that the Holy Spirit can grow.
And this one thing is key, and it’s easier than it seems as long as we don’t put too much expectation on it. Just invite people to the events and activities of the church. Offer to pick them up. Have your kids invite their kids. Make it easy to say yes. Begin with something easy like the Holiday House Bazaar, an ice cream social or luncheon. Ease into a Sunday service.
And here’s the reality from God’s word:
1 Corinthians 1:23-25
When we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
So yes, someone might snicker, roll their eyes, agree to disagree or even be rude. But what does that matter if ultimately their soul is saved? What does that matter if you’re fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission? Just be bold, God’s got your back.
Now, to all of you whose hearts are burdened by your lost sheep and prodigal sons, or are grieved by atheist friends and family, I tell you…don’t lose hope! Keep casually inviting, keep planting those seeds in little ways wherever you can, and most of all, keep praying. This is a prayer that God absolutely wants to answer. Trust Him to rearrange your loved one’s life into to opportunities and difficulties that will point them to God. He will make Divine appointments for them because He chose them before they were born, and He will keep calling them and knocking at the door of their hearts until they let Him in. It can happen. I’m proof.
PRAYER:
Father God, You see our hearts and You know the desperate longing we feel to bring the lost sheep and prodigal sons in our lives into Your kingdom. Work in their lives and keep calling them. Arrange opportunities for us to share your Good News with others, help us to be bold in our faith. Strengthen us to go out into our community and make disciples, inviting them, planting seeds of faith, and praying for them continually as we trust in You to herd them into your flock. In the precious name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, Amen and amen.
Blessed to be a blessing,
Jen