The Potential of a Seed

'Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them' (Romans 12:6. ESV)

Anyone can count the number of seeds in a fruit but only God can count the number of fruits in a seed. Men are attracted to the fruits on a tree but not a seed in a fruit. Only a few people can discover another man’s potential and nourish it when it is in its raw state, but many are quick to associate themselves with one’s success, after that seed has grown to become a big tree and is bearing much fruit. However the truth is, every giant oak was once a small seed. The secret to a successful future lies in taking personal responsibility, and sowing and nurturing your seeds (gifts). The potential of a seed is unlimited. The following story will inspire you.

‘In high school 'Sparky' flunked Latin, algebra, English and physics. He made the golf team but promptly lost the only match of the season, then he lost the consolation match. He was awkward socially-more shy than disliked... One thing, however, was important to Sparky-drawing. He was proud of his artwork even though nobody else appreciated it. He submitted cartoons to the editors of his high school yearbook but they were rejected. Even so, he aspired to be an artist. After high school he sent samples of his work to The Walt Disney Studios. Again he was rejected. But Sparky didn't quit. He decided to write his autobiography in cartoons. The popularity of his cartoon strip eventually led to countless books and television shows. You see, Sparky was Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, the most famous cartoonist of all time. Like his main character, Charlie Brown, Schulz seemed unable to succeed at many things. But he made the most of his God-given talent, refused to quit, and ended up winning. So, use your gift’ (Bob Gass).

God calls us as individuals and it is our individual responsibility to respond to His call and nurture our gifts until they blossom into maximum fruitfulness. Your dream may not make sense to people around you especially those closest to you, but as long as it is a God given dream it will make sense at the end. Remember, no prophet is accepted in His own country. ‘Is that not the carpenter’s son’? They inquired about Jesus. Don’t blame those that don’t understand you, they were not there when God was calling you and they have no idea what God has placed in you. You can never maximise your potential if you want to live your life to please everybody. Bill Cosby once said, ‘I do not know the secret to success but i know the secret to failure, and that is trying to please everybody’. Your most important goal should be to please God your maker and the one who has called you. So do not be distracted, stay focused. It is also imperative that you be yourself, and not try to be a duplicate of anyone. Your value lies in your uniqueness.

There are countless examples in the Bible of people who felt inadequate and unprepared when God called them, but the good news is that the omnipotent and the omniscient God reads the story from the last page. His words to Jeremiah were, ‘Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you’ (Jer 1:5, MSG). You are fully equipped for your purpose, so use your gifts and you will surely be fruitful, multiply and make an impact beyond your life time. Remember, it is only through a relationship with Jesus - your maker, that you will discover your gifts and potential in life, and receive the strength to nurture them. Seek Him today.