#FEARLESS365 is a yearlong study of God’s commandment to us to live without fear. For 365 days, we will focus on one scripture and volunteers from all over the world will share their personal thoughts and what God has shared with them on the specific verse. For more info… go here.

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

Luke 8:14

Whenever I read about the parable of the sower in Luke 8, I immediately think that I belong to the group of seeds that fall on the good soil. I view myself as a pretty “good” and relatively successful person; so I must belong in fertile ground group.  In my mind, the other seeds such as the seed on the rocky soil or the seed in the thorns are illustrations of other people or non-believers. However, with closer inspection of the description of the seed in the thorns, it seems to reflect my life at times. I have periods in my life that are stagnant rather than experiencing spiritual growth.

As Luke 8, verse 14 states, a seed that is cast in the thorns represents someone who is consumed by life’s worries, riches and pleasures. How often do I wake up in the morning with my checklist of things that need to be done that day? Or I wake up in survival mode as I try to feed my three boys breakfast, find someone’s misplaced shoe, remind them to grab their homework, instrument or library book and eventually get out the door.  How often do I brush by my neighbour in an effort to get to the next item on my list? Do I leave room in my busy timetable to invest in others, let alone God? When was the last time I planted myself in the rich soil of God’s Word?

God’s Word and his truths in the Bible are the ultimate source for growth. To be fruitful is to remain in Him and His Word. Life’s worries do get in the way of growth, but I have also found that this is the time that God’s brings me back to Him. He brings me back to His promises and His sovereignty. He is the one who provides all that is good. There will still be times that I am in survival mode or times of struggles in my life, but the these thorns don’t have a grip on me when I am reminded of God’s mercy and love for me. I do not have to worry.

Melissa Macauley is a Children’s Director at Redemption Church and a Food Blog author at Bakinandeggcerpts.com who lives in San Diego, CA. She recently played for Master’s USA women’s Ball Hockey Team.