There are many who are in the deep chasm of their soul, not achieving the things God had planned for them. In fact, they are hindered from even stepping into what God has called them to.
Is something in your life keeping you from connecting with God?
In Luke 8, Jesus speaks about this:
“And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to him from every city, He spoke by a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.’ When He said these things He cried, ‘ He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’ Then His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘What does this parable mean?’” – Luke 8:4-9, NKJV
This passage unveils a very significant spiritual truth. Jesus is speaking to a crowd about spiritual growth and why certain things can prevent us from living the lives God intended for us to live.
The Soil of Our Heart
Luke 8 describes four circumstances on which our spiritual maturity depends. Of these four places, Jesus tells us only one area flourishes and produces a hundredfold crop.
So why might your life not be successful? Let’s look closely at this parable. Jesus reveals common threads in this teaching, and that is: the sower, the seed, and the soil. And while each situation is different, one thing remains constant: the seeds and the sower. Everyone receives the same seeds, or message, from the same sower, yet it often produces something different in the lives of many. So why do some seeds prosper and some don’t? It all comes down to the condition of our soil, which reveals the condition of the heart.
I have been a pilot for over twenty years. As I was learning how to fly, one thing that stuck with me was making sure the plane was in working order before every flight. If the plane has a full gas tank, the engine is running, the wings are in their proper position, and the propeller is spinning, then the aircraft will fly one hundred percent of the time. The same goes for us as God’s children; if we put the principles of God’s word into action, it will produce growth in us every time. And how do I know that?
Isaiah 55:11, NKJV says, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
If you are listening to a good sower who is putting out good seeds and not having appropriate spiritual growth, chances are the problem is with your soil.
So, what causes our soil to go bad? Let’s explore the 3 causes of spiritual defeat.
3 Causes of Spiritual Defeat
Satanic Attacks (vs. 5 & 12)
“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it.
Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” – Luke 8: 5, 12, NKJV
Have you ever heard the phrase, “The devil made me do it!”? These verses reveal that we have a choice; we open our hearts and allow him to steal God’s word from us! Think about it: you attend Sunday service, hear a good message with a good mindset and heart posture, and by the time you reach your car in the parking lot, you have received a phone call where someone made you upset, and you have forgotten all about the good word and worship you just experienced. It is then that the devil snatches it right out of your heart!
Spirit’s Absence (vs. 6 & 13)
“Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture.
But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.” – Luke 8:6, 13, NKJV
Unfortunately, some of you have been met with a challenging frustration. You have been spiritually well for some time; however, due to unforeseen circumstances, it has been revealed that you have no roots. When a seed germinates, the outer shell cracks open, and it sprouts roots deep in the soil so that it can find moisture. Water in scripture is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, and just as a seed can’t produce a crop without soaking in water through its roots, we can’t absorb His guidance when our spiritual roots can’t reach His sacred water.
Flourishing Life
Growing up in church, I witnessed many folks filled with joy. This was the kind of joy that involved swinging arms and flailing in crowded rows. I remember pleading with God, hoping that whatever fell on them would not touch me because my spirit discerned their over-exaggeration of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Saints, when the Holy Spirit moves you, He does so in a way that you have complete control over your facilities. He doesn’t make you do anything you don’t want to do. In fact, you have a choice!
If you want to dance, you choose to dance.
If you want to raise your hands, you choose to lift them up.
If you want to tell Him, “Thank you,” you choose to shout your praise.
The Spirit makes a suggestion, and when you submit to His voice, you welcome God’s power and presence into every domain of your life. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and direct your steps. Soak in the Living Water and watch your seed flourish!
Selfish Agendas (vs. 7 & 14)
“And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it.
Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” – Luke 8: 7, 14, NKJV
Do you feel defeated in life? It may have to do with your mindset, thinking your life is all about you. (I hate to tell you this, but it isn’t!) Far too often, when we feel stuck it is because our hearts have been choked out with selfish ambitions such as the cares of life (jam-packed schedules, to-dos, and activities). We don’t have time to wholeheartedly serve God and His Church because the busyness of life has pushed the presence of God out of our focus.
Secondly, our pursuit of wealth, possessions, and prosperity has hindered us from focusing on God’s goodness. When you put God first, you don’t have to chase material things! Matthew 6:33, NKJV says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Church, stop chasing money, abundance, and possessions. God sees your heart, and when it is filled with acquiring these things, it leaves no room for God to take His rightful place at the center of your heart.
Lastly, our selfish motives have created a home for lust. You are attending to the pleasures of your flesh, and it is choking out the ability of God to bring life to your soul.
The Good Soil
Even though the world is overcome with soil that can’t receive God’s seeds, there are some who foster good soil.
“’But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.’ When He had said these things He cried, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’”
But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” – Luke 8:8, 15, NKJV
I believe some people have good soil, and their hearts are open to the word of God! In fact, they are hungry for it. I am celebrating those who have patiently walked with God and know that they will reap in due time. When God is at the forefront of our hearts, He will bring prosperity and the desires of our hearts.
If your spirit is broken today, be encouraged; we have a savior who will mend your heart of stone and give you one of flesh. He will forgive you of your past, wipe your slate clean, and give you another chance. I believe God will do a new thing in your life. If that speaks to you, please visit our commit page and let us know.
For more on what causes defeat, check out Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr.’s sermon, The Causes of Spiritual Defeat.
