I sometimes struggle with the feeling that my current ministry is just throwing seed to the wind and never seeing any of the fruit it might bear. That can be terribly discouraging.
But God.
These words from Jesus are a powerful reminder that it’s not up to me what happens to the seed. Yes, it’s my job to sow it, but it’s the Spirit’s job to cultivate it and help it take root. HE does all the doing; He simply allows me to be a conduit. I may not perceive these tiny “mustard seeds” as yeilding much return, but He’s really good at taking our pitiful offering and fertilizing it to new growth for His Kingdom.
And from what I’ve read, mustard seeds are known for infiltrating everything around them. 🌱
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32
This ⬆️ is an excerpt from my Quiet Time journal earlier this week, as I work my way through the Gospels.
At the risk of being too vulnerable, I decided to share it with you because I imagine I’m not the only valley-walker who struggles with discouragement in this area. We all want our pain to have purpose, and we are eager to see the beauty that might rise from the ashes. I hope this reminder from God’s Word encourages you to toil on, as it did me. 
Let’s keep sowing, sufferers.
Faithfully. Generously. Tearfully.
In due time, we will reap in joy, if we don’t give up!
🩷Audra
Photo credit: Creative Eye Photography