As we continue through Mark, we find the Parable of the Growing Seed. The seed is God’s word which is planted in our hearts. For the seed to grow, it must first die to bring forth fruit. The fruit of God can only be expressed through us when we give all control to God. This requires a transformation of our thinking to believe the word of God is true and that He will fulfill His promises.

First, the Blade: This is the breakthrough moment—not the moment we receive the Word but that moment when we believe it. We believe that the seed is going to work. This belief is Trust. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your path straight.â€

Second, the grain is formed: This is the frustrating period of time where God is forming us. It is a character-building time that is only formed through pressure. We have to die to self and allow God to reform and renew our mind to bring forth new life.

Finally, the harvest: We are ready for whatever it is God has for us. We have ripened. Ripening brings about reproduction. The sign of maturity is being able to reproduce.

This is what God wants to achieve in all of us. Fruitfulness equals multiplication in the kingdom.

For more on the seed, check out whatsyourmark.org