What happens to those who’ve just given their lives over to the Lord? Will they be able to stand the onslaught of the enemy that is coming? This message will be an encouragement to new converts to open their eyes to the one who chose them before the foundation of the world.

(Matthew 13:3-4) [3] And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
[4] And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

(Matthew 13:5-7) [5] Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: [6] And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. [7] And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

(Matthew 13:8) But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold

Today, I spent time profoundly contemplating the powerful and thought-provoking Parable of the Sower from the Bible, which can be found in the book of Matthew, specifically in chapter thirteen.

This parable tells the story of a sower who went out to sow seeds. The seeds represent the word of God, and the different types of soil represent the different ways people receive and respond to the word of God.

Some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds quickly devoured them. Other seeds fell on stony ground, where they sprang up quickly, but because they had no depth of soil, the sun scorched them and withered away. Some seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.

Finally, some seeds fell on good soil and produced a bountiful harvest, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.

This parable teaches us how people receive and respond to the word of God, and it invites us to reflect on our own receptivity and response to God's word in our lives.

I have been fortunate to spend many years serving in ministry, focusing on street ministry in America's inner cities.

Through this work, I have had the incredible opportunity to witness people experiencing spiritual encounters and undergoing significant transformations.

These encounters and transformations are moments when individuals feel a deep connection with God, often accompanied by a profound sense of peace, joy, and understanding.

These people can be sparked by a variety of experiences, such as a powerful sermon, a personal revelation, or a moment of prayer.

These experiences often lead to significant changes in the individual's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. It's remarkable to see individuals gain a new perspective on morality and ethics and then dedicate themselves to sharing their faith.

Their passion for souls is fueled by a profound desire to spread the profound message of God’s love and redemption.

I have witnessed individuals expressing their faith wholeheartedly and guiding others toward salvation.

I have also seen these people grapple with moments of weakness in their faith when confronted with temptations and trials that seem to gnaw at their souls.

They have regrettably lapsed back into behaviors of sin, yielding to old temptations. This has led me to ponder the root cause of their relapse.

Could it be attributed to a lack of support, the lingering effect of generational curses, or perhaps unresolved personal issues?

According to the teachings in the Bible, the human heart is always inclined towards evil. This underscores the need for mutual accountability in upholding righteousness and moral conduct. To facilitate this, many congregations have established follow-up ministry initiatives.

These initiatives include regular small group meetings for accountability and support, one-on-one mentorship programs, and educational resources to deepen understanding of the faith.

Such initiatives are crucial in providing the support, mentorship, and direction needed to navigate and strengthen our spiritual journeys.

In our discussions and gatherings, I find it crucial to reach out to individuals who may have previously been more dedicated to their Christian faith but have drifted away or become disheartened.

I often refer to the scripture that advises those who have fallen from grace to return to their initial enthusiasm and commitment. "Their First Love." I love to tell them, "Do your first works over."

I love to emphasize that their lapse in faith does not spell the end of their spiritual journey; rather, it represents a hopeful opportunity for more profound personal growth and spiritual development.

This growth often begins with personal reflection and self-awareness, but it also requires the guidance and support of a mentor or guide.

I love to tell them, "They haven't lost ground; instead, they have gained valuable insights that will better equip them for the road ahead, enabling them to withstand temptations and reinforcing their resolve to spread the message of God."

Once you experience God's unending and incredible grace, you understand that God is brimming with compassion for every part of His creation. His love is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast commitment to our well-being and growth.

Once you understand his love and compassion for broken humanity, it dawns on you that He isn't eagerly anticipating your failures but rather observing and hoping for you to display maturity in your character.

This realization leads to a deepened respect and awe for Him and an increased understanding of His significance in your life.

It equips you with the ability to effectively introduce Him to others as you comprehend what He has accomplished in your life and what He is capable of doing in the lives of others.

His redemption is not just a one-time event but a continuous process of transformation and renewal; this understanding can guide us in our spiritual journeys.

The truth is that if the Lord had placed me in the position I currently have as an international evangelist working in ministry in another country several years ago, I believe I would not have possessed the necessary maturity, experience, and wisdom to fulfill the responsibilities that come with this position effectively.

I have come to understand that my growth and development, both personally and spiritually, have equipped me to handle this role with greater confidence and capability.

In summary, I vividly recall a moment of prayer around 3:00 a.m. one morning. I humbly expressed remorse to my heavenly father for the squandered time and years marred by continual errors in my past.

During this intimate prayer, I distinctly heard his voice interjecting my prayers, reassuring me with the words, “My child, if you had not endured those trials back then, you would not possess the wisdom needed to fulfill your current purpose."

International Evangelist
Dr. Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International