by Susan Jiosa

Created on: October 19, 2009   Last Updated: January 03, 2011

Jesus said that if our faith was even the size of a mustard seed we could move a mountain; but just as any other seeds needs to be nourished to grow; so does the seed of faith. If a seed is not watered properly it will sprout and then wither away and die.

Today when I stepped out on my porch I noticed that the seeds I planted last week in my starter box were sprouting. I was so excited because I have never been very good at gardening, always forgetting to water them and ultimately causing their early demise. It was so awesome to see a seed that I had planted myself actually sprout and grow into something

beautiful. Planting a seed of hope and faith within another human heart, and watching that seed flourish and grow is even more beautiful than a flower seed sprouting in the springtime.

In my many failed attempts at growing flowers, I would always start out with good intentions but then get too busy and forget to water the seeds. The same can be said about the seed of faith that God has instilled in each one of us. In order for it to grow, you must water it by reading the bible and learning God's word. When you don't water it, it begins to slowly fade, wither away and die.

On other occasions when I tried my hand at gardening, I would get carried away watering them too much at one time. I didn't take my time and nurture them slowly as they should be. You can do the same thing with the bible if you aren't aware. Maybe you go for a while without reading and then feel guilty so you quickly thumb through a couple of scriptures to ease your guilt. Do you remember what you read? Did you feel it rooting firmly into your heart?

You think that by reading just a little bit it will please God enough for the moment and then you put it back down, forgetting it for another week or two. God would rather you not pick it up at all than to think you are pleasing Him by trying to fool Him. You can't fool the Almighty God with feeble attempts at learning. You have to want it with all your heart and soul and once you do; God will fill you with the knowledge you long for.

Don't just read His words; implant them as a seed within your heart so you may be able to share your knowledge with another in need. I have discovered when I am having a really bad day that by helping another person who is struggling, my spirit is renewed and lifted. I am able to share my knowledge of God's grace by planting his seed of knowledge in someone who doesn't know Him. I would not be able to plant that seed had I not taken the time to water my own. Colossians 3:16 says, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in you hearts to the Lord. The bible tells us to share our wisdom and knowledge with others but in order to do that you must first know the word before you can begin sharing it.

Every time I read my bible I learn something new and different than the last time I read it. I believe that this is God's way of planting a new seed so it will flourish within me and grow to plant in another someday. Whether you know it or not; God has given you the ability to plant good seed in everyone you come in contact with. It is up to you to learn the word and plant it in others hearts. Plant a good seed today by sharing your knowledge of the word with someone in need. Water the seed of faith that God has planted within you and watch just how strong you will grow! Remember, just as we love to watch our flowers grow, God loves to watch His children's faith grow. Start planting those seeds of faith today and don't forget to water them!

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