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How does faith grow?
When we consider how faith grows, we can refer to the parable of the sower. We find that the sower encountered four types of soil; the wayside, the stony, the thorny and the good ground. These soils describe the condition of our heart. The seed that is sown is the word of the Lord that comes to us and it can be very powerful. The word can also be compared to the rain which comes down from heaven, watering the earth to make it bear fruit and sprout. It does not return to the Lord empty but accomplishes His purpose. Isa 55:10-11. However, if the ground is not broken up and our heart is not open, we are not ‘good ground’ and the seed cannot lodge and the rain cannot penetrate. How is the ground of your heart? In the book of Proverbs we are exhorted to watch over our heart with all diligence. Prov 4:23.
In another parable, the kingdom of God is likened to a man who cast seed on the soil. Mark 4:27. He went to bed at night and the seed sprouted. But the man did not know how it grew. How faith grows is indeed a mystery. Within every seed of faith is the ability to produce the desired outcome. So, we do not need to worry about making it grow. But we do need to worry about killing the seed! Think of the harsh environment in Australia. Plants grow with very little water. Most indoor plants are killed by over-watering, not under-watering. If you put the right seed in its natural or right environment, it will grow because life is resident within the seed. So, what is the right environment for faith to grow? Faith will flourish in a context of loving and giving within a community of believers.
David Falk
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Feature Articles
April 2009
How does faith grow?
Behold the Lamb
Pray without ceasing
The springs of song
Holy to the Lord
Supporting identity
Why do we fast?
Making vows
Watch over your soul
Learning patience
God is. Great!
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