A House Built on Love: Answering God's CallSample

Test the Soil

So God has placed a seed on you heart, you’ve said yes, you’ve surrendered to God’s plan, but now, how do you test the soil? How do you know if it’s really from God or just your brain getting distracted from the realities of life?

For Ed, he found that the thoughts about starting a charity wouldn’t go away.

In his own words: "I think my expectation was that by the end of the six months I would have: 1) a totally clear business plan that had fallen out of the sky; and 2) a massively rich donor who would fund the work and my salary, plus quite a lot of extras, on a five-year, up-front basis. When all this didn’t happen instantly, I had no choice but to rely on God. As I prayed more, read more, and fasted more, my faith and my dependence on God deepened."

Despite obstacles, Ed slowly began to ask a few people he trusted where he should go next. He was advised to test the soil of the seed that he felt had been planted. After his predicament was met with encouragement, Ed thought about recruiting for a committee. 

However, God had other plans. David, Ed’s minister, offered some alternative wise advice. He said, "Gather two or three passionate people around you and go for it." 

When God plants a seed in your heart and the seed has been tested, it’s not necessary to have a big team or lots of money. What you really need is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the courage to go where He leads.

Who around you can help you test the soil in which the tiny seed God has given you to nurture is planted? Who can help you clear that soil of weeds and gently drop in some rain of wisdom and encouragement? 

Let the people you trust help you find the right direction to go in next, and ask God to open your heart and your mind so you will hear Him when he speaks through them.