[Jesus continued:] “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: … The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.”
Key Thought
Short bursts of faithfulness are not hard. Stringing them together is hard. Sustaining them for long periods of time is incredibly hard. A key part of the difficulty is that Satan never gives us a free ride. He’s always in there trying to mess things up, making them harder and raising our frustrations. Faithfulness, however, is about a long haul that maintains its destination and delivers its payload on time. Jesus wants us to know that it will be easy for us to lose that first flush of joy and sink into mediocrity — or worse — if we do not seriously pursue him through his life and teachings.
Today’s Prayer
Father, please help my heart to remain soft and my passion and commitment to be resolute as I face the journey ahead. I don’t want to waver or leave room for Satan to come in and steal my heart and life away. Please protect me from the evil one and empower me toward the road ahead. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Colossians 1:21-23Philippians 3:12-14Hebrews 3:12Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.