Seeds

This past year, I chose the One Year Bible as my reading plan.  For those that want a consistent, easy to follow Bible reading pattern, the One Year Bible is the best that I have come across.  In these last few days of the year, the readings are from some of the prophetic books.

A few days ago, I was struck by this one verse from the Zechariah 8:12.

For I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you. The grapevines will be heavy with fruit. The earth will produce its crops, and the heavens will release the dew. (NLT)

Often the beginnings of God's blessing are sent in the form of small seedlings.  Peace and prosperity are planted in us.  And just like seeds take time to grow into fullness and fruitfulness.  So God's provisions often come in similar fashion.

I must confess that when I look for peace and prosperity, I look for it in the form of a dump truck.  I want him to back up and just unload it on me in one big release.  But God starts His work, often in the form of seed.  It is so small.  It is planted in the ground.  Then nothing seems to occur.

But over time, and with our combined faith and obedience, the vines eventually are 'heavy with fruit.'  Don't you love that phrase!  Lord, let that be the case for me this upcoming year.  Plant your good seed in my life so that my future can be heavy with fruit.