We are Being Sown as Seeds

June 2, 2019

I read James chapter 1 in 4 different translations. There is a lot in here and I enjoy reading it in different translations. Two scripture passages stood out to me with this. Every time I read James 1:1 I found myself pausing. It is where he is greeting the 12 tribes. Some translations say the tribes are scattered, another says spread out, but The Passion Translation says “I’m writing to all the twelve tribes of Israel who have been sown as seeds among the nations.” I love this way of thinking about it. To me, this reinforces the fact that no matter where we are (physically, emotionally, relationally) we are in a position to be sown as seeds among the nations for the Kingdom of God. In our good times and in our bad times, in our joy and in our sorrow, we are being sown as seeds in the lives around us.

The second scripture that stood out to me was James 1:2-4 2-4 “Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing.” (Voice translation)

One thing that I have learned is not to run from the hard times. I used to spend my time in the valley looking for the quickest way out. Now I know that in every situation and every circumstance God is present with me. He promises me peace, joy, hope, and love in good times and bad and if I tie those things to my circumstances or my feelings then I am elevating the world over the Lord. That is why in all things, I look for the joy. I embrace (usually through tears) the hard times and ask the Lord what is He wanting me to grow and mature in during this time. I love how this scripture talks about the long journey we face before we cross the finish line. That is so true. I have to decide how I am going to run my race. Am I going to run away from the hard times by looking to myself or am I going to embrace the hard times and look to Jesus for the greater thing that He is doing in and through me? We all have people looking to us to see the hope and promise of the Lord shining through us. The way we walk every circumstance of our life out is an opportunity to be a seed sown in the life of another.