February 25, 2024

February 25th, 2024

“It’s All About Jesus!”
Matthew 13:24-30 (The Wheat & The Weeds)
“The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! – Matthew 13:27 (NLT)
“From Reacting to Responding.”

Take a deep breath. Now let it out. Whatever is going on for you today, whatever problem you’re facing or crisis that has popped up, take a moment. You want to respond, not react. If you struggle to understand the difference, think of it this way. If someone reacts to a medication, that’s a bad thing. If someone is responding to a medication, that’s a good thing. It’s the same way when we face the “weeds” that pop up in our lives.
When the workers in the parable spotted the weeds, they panicked. Maybe it’s because they thought they would be blamed. Maybe it was because they didn’t know what to do. Or maybe it was because they were new to the work and the weeds just caught them completely off-guard. Whatever the reason, they panicked. And reacting out of panic is almost never a good thing.
The good thing they did was to go to the farmer. It may have been more to protect themselves than anything else, but it was the smart thing to do. The farmer was wise. The farmer was experienced. The farmer had dealt with weeds before. Where they would have just reacted, the farmer had a response. His approach would be thoughtful, deliberate, and productive. Letting the farmer guide them was the best move they could make.
The same is true for YOU! You’re not alone as you face your crisis today. You don’t have to wring your hands, pace the floor, or just do something because you feel you need to do something. Neither do you have to curl up in a corner, shut yourself in your office, or go to bed and pull the covers up over your head, hoping it will all just go away. Your Heavenly Father knows your crisis. This is not His first rodeo. He’s dealt with weeds before. Bring your crisis to Him. Come before Him with an open heart, an open mind, and a surrendered spirit. Let Him calm your heart and guide your steps. Instead of reacting, let God guide you in a more thoughtful response. So once again, take a deep breath and let it out. Be still for a few moments to settle your nerves and quiet your heart. Don’t panic. Pray. The Farmer, your Father, will know what to do. That’s God’s Word for you today.