This is how it is with the Kingdom of God;
it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land
and would sleep and rise night and day
and the seed would sprout and grow,
he knows not how.
Growth in the Kingdom is hidden because most of what happens is below the surface. Most of what occupies our attention, however, is what happens above the surface. When we have to endure "a great contest of suffering" it is obvious to us. But the growth that is happening at such times is not obvious. This is why the author of the Letter to the Hebrews reminded his listeners that there was more to the trials they endured than the obvious suffering. What was happening below the surface, of which they were likely unaware, was more important than what was happening above.
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence;
it will have great recompense.
You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.
The seed is safe beneath the soil. It will grow unless, due to trials and afflictions, we decide to abandon it. The fruit of the seed is itself endurance, but endurance of a certain kind. It is fruit that can enable us to grow in the knowledge of God and allows us to be "strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy" see Colossians 1:10-11).
We will likely go through life seeing more of our own flaws and failures and less of fruit. We may be distressed by the things which we must endure and the imperfection of our response to such challenges. It is as though we wish the plant would sprout fully grown. But we are called to account our own lack of perfection is not only a part of the process, but even an opportunity to recognize that even then God's grace is at work at a deeper level. This is how the eyes of faith look at the seed. As Paul said, he and others may water, but God gives the growth (see First Corinthians 3:6). It is in him, ultimately, that we are meant to trust.
We may likely feel that the seed planted in each of us is insufficient for our needs, our responsibilities, or for the call on our lives. It does very much start off feeling like "the smallest of all seeds". We can't perceive from the hidden beginnings how God could do much with it. But God delights to humble the proud and lift up the lowly (see Luke 1:52). He loves to use the small for great things. He "chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something" (see First Corinthians 1:28). If this is what is happening with in us- and by faith we believe it is- then of course we can't perceive it clearly, because in not perceiving it clearly we are able to remain humble about a growth for which we seem to lack the raw materials, which we do not cause, and which we can only begin to perceive when it finally puts blade, ear, or grain above the surface.
Let's stick with the seed in spite whatever is happening on the surface. The harvest is coming. If we "are not among those who draw back and perish" we will have fruit to offer, we will be "among those who have faith and will possess life."
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
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