WEEK 49 – DAY 1

SCATTERED SEED

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Peter 1:1-2

When persecution distributed the early church to Gentile countries, it was not an accident. God was deliberately sowing Abraham’s seed into fertile soil, causing the church to grow and the Gentiles to be blessed. Like those early Christians, we have been chosen by God, are being sanctified by the Spirit, and are to obey Jesus Christ. God may also use things that seem unpleasant at the time to move us into a position of service prepared for us in advance. He may sow us into a new job, different neighborhood, or even a different country.

When my father, Ray Hale, was transferred to England, it was a difficult move for him and Mom. They left children and grandchildren. I moved out of home for the first time and stayed in Texas. However, I believe the Lord planted them in Lakenheath to minister to others who were far from home. My parents were surrogate parents to many air force personnel and stand-in grandparents for their children. Mother counseled young military wives and made good friends with her British neighbors as well. Dad served as deacon in a church since he and mom had walked with the Lord longer than most of the congregation.

Father, help us to “bloom” wherever you plant us and to be obedient to spread Your word to those who desperately need Your saving grace. May our seed continue to be scattered long after we’re gone, just as the blooms of the dandelion turn into puff balls of spores that You scatter with the wind.