The "Rocky" Path
Scripture Reading
“Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.” (Matt 13:5-6, 20-21 ESV)
“ And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture...And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.” ( Luke 8:6, 13 ESV)
A Heart of “Rocky Soil”
The second soil was full of rocks. If soil is not turned and the rocks removed the soil will never be fit to sustain healthy, productive life. Even if there was some good soil, the rocks would keep the seeds from rooting deep into the ground. When the sun came out, the seed would be scorched and die without sufficient nourishment.
A “rocky soil heart” is full of potential. With an awakening to its deep desire, it quickly receives the Word and begins to move forward. There is joy in this transformation and change is evident. Unfortunately, as this person moves forward, with an untrained, young heart, and meets resistance, unprepared. The process of restoration and sanctification is stunted in this time of “testing.” While there is much that needs to be “turned up” and “removed,” they may not be willing or struggle to remove the “rocks” from their soil so nothing roots deep. Wounds, fear, doubts, aversion to pain, lack of understanding in spiritual warfare, and unaware of their true enemy stand in the way. When they realize they don’t have what’s needed to survive and thrive on their own, they turn away. Giving up because their old life seems easier and less painful. New words may be heard and received, some, new growth may occur, but it will not be sustainable. The Father reveals the change, healing, growth, and movement that is needed must happen to produce fruit. It is hard but good work that must be done. Until they are willing to remove the “rocks” hindering growth, fruit-bearing in their lives will never fully happen.
Stories Around the Campfire
“When I think of Rocky soil, I think about the continual work that God has for us, right? So I think one of the biggest rocks in my life has been working through the wound of “You mess things up.” “You break things.” “You’re clumsy.” All of these lies stem from when I was a kid. I was clumsy and I didn’t play sports or anything until I got older just because I was not very athletically inclined. That translated over into life in things like I would be scared to make decisions or take a step in life because I was worried I would mess it up. I’m sometimes scared to talk to people or do things when I had questions or doubts about something because I was scared I would mess it up. Or in situations like when I broke my ankle in airborne school. That was something that I really had to push against because it was an amazing accomplishment to finish but, there was still the lie of “You broke your ankle, you messed up your semester.” Because I had to take two weeks off and I wasn't able to help very much with planning with my senior peers for ROTC events. So yeah, that lie of “you mess things up” makes for a lot of rocks that I have to allow God to work out of my heart. Because the fear of “messing things up” keeps me from acting because it makes me fearful of the after-effects of my actions.”
Calibration:
- Do you relate to Judah’s story? If so, how?
- What are some “Rocks” you have not been allowing God to work out of your heart?
- What is keeping you from allowing God to remove rocks out of your life?
“Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.” (Matt 13:5-6, 20-21 ESV)
“ And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture...And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.” ( Luke 8:6, 13 ESV)
A Heart of “Rocky Soil”
The second soil was full of rocks. If soil is not turned and the rocks removed the soil will never be fit to sustain healthy, productive life. Even if there was some good soil, the rocks would keep the seeds from rooting deep into the ground. When the sun came out, the seed would be scorched and die without sufficient nourishment.
A “rocky soil heart” is full of potential. With an awakening to its deep desire, it quickly receives the Word and begins to move forward. There is joy in this transformation and change is evident. Unfortunately, as this person moves forward, with an untrained, young heart, and meets resistance, unprepared. The process of restoration and sanctification is stunted in this time of “testing.” While there is much that needs to be “turned up” and “removed,” they may not be willing or struggle to remove the “rocks” from their soil so nothing roots deep. Wounds, fear, doubts, aversion to pain, lack of understanding in spiritual warfare, and unaware of their true enemy stand in the way. When they realize they don’t have what’s needed to survive and thrive on their own, they turn away. Giving up because their old life seems easier and less painful. New words may be heard and received, some, new growth may occur, but it will not be sustainable. The Father reveals the change, healing, growth, and movement that is needed must happen to produce fruit. It is hard but good work that must be done. Until they are willing to remove the “rocks” hindering growth, fruit-bearing in their lives will never fully happen.
Stories Around the Campfire
“When I think of Rocky soil, I think about the continual work that God has for us, right? So I think one of the biggest rocks in my life has been working through the wound of “You mess things up.” “You break things.” “You’re clumsy.” All of these lies stem from when I was a kid. I was clumsy and I didn’t play sports or anything until I got older just because I was not very athletically inclined. That translated over into life in things like I would be scared to make decisions or take a step in life because I was worried I would mess it up. I’m sometimes scared to talk to people or do things when I had questions or doubts about something because I was scared I would mess it up. Or in situations like when I broke my ankle in airborne school. That was something that I really had to push against because it was an amazing accomplishment to finish but, there was still the lie of “You broke your ankle, you messed up your semester.” Because I had to take two weeks off and I wasn't able to help very much with planning with my senior peers for ROTC events. So yeah, that lie of “you mess things up” makes for a lot of rocks that I have to allow God to work out of my heart. Because the fear of “messing things up” keeps me from acting because it makes me fearful of the after-effects of my actions.”
Calibration:
- Do you relate to Judah’s story? If so, how?
- What are some “Rocks” you have not been allowing God to work out of your heart?
- What is keeping you from allowing God to remove rocks out of your life?
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