Celebrate Hope: Looking Back Stepping UpSample

Choked Out

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but . . . they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. - Luke 8:14

Behind my family’s home is an alley where several small trees and vines grow next to the electric power lines. Often, the vines sprouting along the ground will climb up the small trees to reach and attach to the power lines. The vines can weigh heavily on the lines and contribute to power outages in the neighborhood. Once a year, before tornado season, my father goes out to cut the vines at the ground, removing their connection to the lines in order to lessen the risk of a power loss.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus warned that our hearts can succumb to destructive forces. Describing the soil where a farmer sowed seeds, Jesus said that some of the seed fell among thorns (Luke 8:7). As the seeds grew, the thorns growing alongside choked fruitful growth. Jesus taught that anxieties, riches, and distracting desires can stifle our spiritual growth and prevent our influence (v. 14).

When we intentionally cultivate our relationship with God and remove whatever else attempts to cling to our heart, we have the power to live and thrive. Staying connected to Him and Scripture helps us root out what strangles our hope. When I’m straying from God, I’m sometimes reminded of what a pastor preached about the Bible: “Either this book (the Scriptures) will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book.”—Peighton Childress 

What “thorns” are stifling your growth and need to be surrendered to God and cut off?

Lord, thank You for Your love and grace. Please provide Your spirit of discernment as I walk in faith, and help me to be focused and rooted in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.