God uses difficult circumstances to teach us invaluable spiritual lessons. Recently, my wife suggested we plant vegetables in the backyard to help reduce our summer food bill. If the economy wasn’t as challenging as it is currently, I probably wouldn’t have planted the vegetables. But if I had not planted those seeds, I would have missed the beauty of basic spiritual discipleship.

Jesus ministered to farmers; men whose livelihood depended solely on God. Unfortunately, by living in a civilized and industrialized nation we can easily lose appreciation for how much we depend on God. It is so easy to depend more on the things man has created such as Wal-Mart, Publix, and Kroger, rather than depending on God. As I observe sprouting vegetables and meditate on the parables, I deepen my conviction regarding God and His power.

He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." (Mark 4:26-29)

As modern people, we want more of a scientific explanation as to why seeds germinate. Jesus said the man simply scattered seeds and they grew. By planting in God’s earth there will be a harvest. God’s nature is to give life and to make things grow. Whether it’s physical seeds or spiritual seeds, God provides an increase. God, and God alone, is capable of multiplying our feeble efforts. It’s comforting to know God’s kingdom isn’t totally dependant on us. Of course, we do our part but God’s power is so beyond our abilities. The scripture teaches that we scatter a few seeds and God provides an amazing harvest.

Experiencing a difficult economy has reminded me to put more hope and trust in God. It’s very easy to become distracted (especially by politics), discouraged or disenchanted, yet simple faith reminds me: God will provide. In what areas of your life are you scattering spiritual seeds? Or a better way of asking, what areas of your life have you resolved to be faithful?

I want to use this opportunity to thank the brothers and sisters of the Greater Atlanta Church of Christ for allowing seeds of faith to be scattered in their hearts. Last fall, we presented the church with a goal to double our 2007 Special Contribution. That was before gas hit $4.00 a gallon and everything else became increasingly expensive. Not only has the economy become very challenging, recently a series of stories have run in the media regarding declining financial church contributions and attendance. In fact, 11Alive News covered a story where a minister shared his concerns that rising gas prices has adversely lowered his church’s attendance. I want to encourage you with how the saints have responded! Not only did we reach our goal of $60,000 but we exceeded the amount! Also our attendance has grown. Even during a dismal economy and discouraging press releases, God’s people shine.

I want to encourage every disciple of Jesus Christ to not be sidetracked by the worries of life. Use this as a wonderful opportunity to grow in your faith. God is trying to mature and teach us life changing lessons so He will be glorified.

Mike Patterson
Lead Evangelist
Greater Atlanta Church of Christ