[The stony ground]
"And He taught them many things by parables and said unto them in his doctrine, 'Hearken, behold, there went out a sower to sow. And it came to pass that as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
And some fell on a stony ground where it had not much earth, immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up, it was scorched and because it had no root, it withered away’. Mark 4:2-6
Not Much Earth
The stony ground represents the second phase in the heart and faith level of a believer or one who is yet to be saved. Here, God's Word is sown and immediately it springs up.
This condition is better than the way side at least. At this stage, you receive God's Word with gladness and immediately begin to act upon it.
Consequently, the Word begins to grow towards fruition and then before the fruits show up, a season of tests set in. The sun beams on it.
The plant could not withstand the scorching, and so it dies. The insufficiency of foundation causes the Word to die. Earth here represents conviction.
Until you come to a point where your heart is fixed on the authenticity and potency of God's Word, you'll keep losing revelations and insights.
Jesus explained in verse 16 that the Word, just like a seed has roots. The roots are meant to create stability and firmness. Roots do not grow in the air, they thrust deep.
The depth here is your fixed and unwavering confidence on the faithfulness of God. When it is available, God's Word digs its roots into your heart.
The Trial of the Word
Jesus acknowledged in verse 17 that trials and persecutions arise for the Word' sake. Bishop TD Jakes said in one of his teachings said that all the challenges we face are trials on our faith, no matter the kind. This is what Jesus meant here.
If a tree survives the scorch of the sun and the turbulence of the wind, then in due time, it will bear fruits.
The tree that would easily fall is one without firm roots. This means that whenever you receive God's Word, if the devil cannot steal it at reception, he will come back through troubles to shake the Word in your heart.
This is God's counsel endure, stand!
Endure Hardness, Keep Standing
Paul said to Timothy, "Thou therefore endure hardness like a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2Timothy 2:3
The same Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:27 said that our light affliction which is for a moment, works for us a far more, exceeding, eternal weight of glory.
In verse 16, he encouraged us not to faint, although the sun scorches us and our roots seem to wobble. In his letter to the Ephesians, he said, 'Having done all to stand, stand therefore...' Ephesians 6:13
This goes to give a premonition that situations will rise to challenge the Word of God you have received. Then your faith in the Word will make you unmovable.
The challenges wants you to let go of the Word, so that you will lose the fruits of the Word. Do not be offended by the Word. Endure and still keep the Word.
You may look foolish before others as you act out your faith, but keep on. He that endures to the end, the same shall be saved. Endure. Keep on holding on. Remain blessed.
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Well done bro
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Amen. Thank you so much. πππ§‘π§‘
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