Day 2: The Hardened Path

Observation:
The path is a place that’s been walked on over and over again until the soil is hard. When seed falls there, it can’t go in; it sits on the surface until it’s snatched away. Spiritually, this represents a heart that’s been packed down by pain, disappointment, anger, or pride. You’ve heard the Word, but it hasn’t taken root. Maybe people hurt you. Maybe religion turned you off. Maybe life didn’t turn out the way you expected. That was me at 17.

But God doesn’t give up on hard ground. The plow is repentance. The water is grace. And when the Spirit begins to break up what’s been packed down, the Word can begin to grow. No matter how many times you’ve been stepped on, disappointed, or walked away, Jesus is still sowing seed. He hasn’t given up on you.

Application:
Have you closed off part of your heart to God? Is there pain or bitterness keeping His Word from taking root? Ask Him to plow the hard places today.

Prayer:
Father, I confess the ways I’ve grown hard. Break up my pride, pain, and resistance. Make my heart soft again so that I can hear You clearly and respond.