The Seeds of a Shepherd

By Holly Culhane

I was listening to a recent Wake-Up Call devotional by J. D. Walt and a comment he made caught my attention. As Sower-in-Chief with Seedbed, J.D. often challenges the listener of this daily encouragement to sow seeds “today.” On this particular day, he added, “Every day that we sow, there’s a day in the future that something will grow.”

I paused the recording, rewound it by 10 seconds, and listened again. “Every day that we sow, there’s a day in the future that something will grow.”

Yes, whenever we sow, something will grow.

What an encouraging word that I needed at that very moment!

There are times in our shepherd leadership journey when we wonder… Was the time I spent with that person of any value? Will the investment I made in their future pay off? Am I really making a difference in the lives of those I influence and impact?

When exhorting the believers in Corinth, Paul said this…

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
I Corinthians 15:58

We may not be around to witness it. We may not be present to experience it. But whenever we speak into or act or serve or sacrifice in the name of our Lord for the benefit of those we lead, a seed is planted.

So, fellow under-shepherd, stand firm. Let not a lie of the enemy, your emotions, or the schemes of man deter you from living deeply into your calling as shepherd in the lives of those you lead. Provision. Protection. Presence. Always, with abundance, recognize, and realize – with full confidence – that the shepherding you do in the name of our Savior is never for naught.

 “Every day that we sow, there’s a day in the future that something will grow.”

DIGGING DEEPER QUESTIONS:

1. In what ways are you making a difference in the lives of those you influence and impact? 
2. How are you spending your time with those you lead?  
3. In what ways are you investing in the sheep you shepherd?