April 24

And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the seedlings. — Matt 13:4-7 BSB

When our hearts are trampled by the distractions of pleasure, business, or worry, the seeds of truth get snatched away the moment they’re sown.

Some hearts are shallow and emotional. The message of truth seems to take root quickly. These people may be moved to tears during a sermon and criticize the coldness of others. But after a little while, it’s all over. There’s no deep conviction, and their early enthusiasm withers away when trials come.

In other hearts, the cares of this world, ambition, and pleasure choke out the truth. The seed struggles to grow while thorns and briers—the distractions and worries of life—suck up all the nourishment, leaving the wheat to starve. Many Christian lives are like this, full of potential but stunted by worldliness. No lasting fruit comes from them.

It’s disheartening to see so much good seed wasted because of unfavorable conditions, but we must never give up sowing. We pray for God to watch over His seed and bring it to life.