“And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Mark 4:20 (NLT)
In Mark 4, Jesus illustrated how Satan tries to steal the Word that is sown in our hearts. The enemy doesn't want the Word to take root and “grow up” in you—because when that happens, you grow up.
Many Christians stay in elementary teachings and never go past the shallow end of the pool. They love to listen to preachers make them feel good. They’d rather be encouraged by an outside source than feed on the Word themselves. Hebrews 5:12 describes them as babies who still need milk and can’t eat solid food.
But some believers are hungry for the Word. They are students of the Word and give it first place in their lives. As they grow in their understanding of the Word, the Word grows them.
When you begin to mature as a believer, peace and joy permeate your life. You’re no longer tossed around by the waves of every new problem. You know that whatever you go through, you’re more than a conqueror and you’re going to win. Life may not always unfold the way you expected, but year after year, you’ll be able to look back and see the blessing and favour of God on your life.
I’m challenging you this year: make a decision to grow up. I know I am! Refuse to stay where you are, and let’s dedicate ourselves to developing a root system in the Word. As you do, the light will grow brighter and brighter in your life until the full light of day (Proverbs 4:18).