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Keep Digging!


If we’re honest, we must admit that when it comes to ministry, doing things for the church, others, and the Kingdom of God, we don’t try as hard as we could and even give up way too easily if the task seems challenging or difficult. 

There is a unique Scripture found in Hosea 10:12, “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.” 

This caught my attention in a devotional l was reading because, oddly enough, I have attempted several times to transplant my day lilies and to seed some marigolds around my house. It has been rather defeating due to how brick-hard the ground is in my yard. Just like 
Hosea mentions it is very hard work breaking up unplowed ground. 

Breaking up a new ground is very hard work. Since the ground has existed unchallenged for many years, the soil has never been cleared or tilled. I think the only thing my yard has encountered is a lawnmower. Breaking up a new area for my flowers have involved a large initial investment of time and exhausting labor. 

The existing yard, grass, weeds, rocks and summer heat have all proven to be rather resistant to my measly little shovel. These obstacles have stopped me to the point of profusely sweating and getting much dirtier than I had anticipated. Despite the added effort and glaring challenges, I don’t give up and quit. I simply find new alternatives to open the soil to prepare it for my flowers. 

The Bible often compares evangelization (witnessing) with this type of laborious toil and effort. For example, you meet a person to whom the Lord is calling you to witness, heal, and disciple. Often before you can share the Word of God with them, you need to first, “break up,” the hard ground of their heart so they can be ready to receive the Gospel. 

Reaching this person requires you to spend a lot of time with them. It sometimes takes weeks, months and even years to journey with them through their own obstacles and challenges in life, such as a rock-hard heart or a deep-rooted belief in false teachings. Maybe they have been hurt by someone in the Church or betrayed by a family member. Whatever they face, we must love them through it all for the sake of the Gospel. 

Using the analogy of breaking up the hard soil, you must invest in their lives and find ways to interact with the person to help remove the obstacle. It is difficult and discouraging work. Never tire. Never give up. Be persistent. Luke 5:17-39, tells the story of how the friends of a paralyzed man broke through the roof of a house in order to lower their friend down into the room where Jesus was teaching. 

Verses 18-20, says, “They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” 

These men were determined and when they saw no way to get to Jesus, they became determined to find a way. We must do the same. Never give up on anyone. Never write anyone off as hopeless. Be determined, however long it takes, to reach others for Jesus. Jesus sees your faith and determination to reach others. Keep reaching out. 

Keep plowing that hard ground! However, as you plow, keep in mind that you are not alone. Jesus plows with you and will help your bring glory to God the Father. We can keep trying to find ways to reach others. We can look for way, perhaps, that have never been tried before. Either way, keep digging and don’t ever give up! Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

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