The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
God brings his Kingdom to earth by means of his Spirit working in his people. We don't perceive just how present the Spirit is within us. That's why we ourselves seem like such mustard seeds. Our own resources seem like nothing compared to the task at hand. But somehow when we are placed in the right places we cause the whole dough to rise like a yeast.
'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field?
Where have the weeds come from?'
He answered, 'An enemy has done this.'
There are weeds that grow up along side of us. Even within our own hearts we find them. But the LORD is rich in mercy. He doesn't immediately destroy everything that appears to be a weed. He waits with patient mercy so that as much can be harvested as possible. Things that turn out to be legitimate crops often, in many of our cases, start off looking a lot like weeds. Fortunately the LORD is generous. He doesn't allow any wheat to be lost just for the sake of expediency. This means we must accept the times when others behave like weeds. We must be patient with ourselves when we see the same problems in us.
And you taught your people, by these deeds,
that those who are just must be kind;
and you gave your children good ground for hope
that you would permit repentance for their sins.
The Spirit can help us to persist even when the garden seems to be more weeds than wheat. He shows us that there is always more of the Kingdom at work than meets the eye. Let's blossom forth into bushes then. Let's help the flour to rise. Let's grow into a harvest worthy of the mercy we have been shown. Anytime we feel overwhelmed let us listen to the Spirit groan within us. Let us know for certain that he is heard.
You, O LORD, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in kindness and fidelity.
Turn toward me, and have pity on me;
give your strength to your servant.
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