Many times, we focus on the blessings of God. We ask Him to open doors, meet needs, heal bodies, restore families, and make a way where there seems to be no way. And there is nothing wrong with seeking God’s blessings. He is a good Father who loves to care for His children (Matthew 7:11; James 1:17).
But sometimes we want the blessings of God without taking time to understand the ways of God. We want what He gives, but we do not always understand how He works. God has a Kingdom, and His Kingdom does not operate like the kingdoms of this world (Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 14:17).
In the world, people often build power by fighting, competing, promoting themselves, gaining advantage, and trying to be seen. But God’s ways are different. Jesus spent His time teaching His disciples to stop thinking like the world and start seeing life through the eyes of the Kingdom (Matthew 5:3-12; Matthew 20:25-28).
The Kingdom Can Start Small
Jesus said the Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed and like yeast (Matthew 13:31-33; Luke 13:18-21). Both are small, but both can change much more than people expect. A tiny mustard seed can grow into a large plant. A little yeast can work its way through a whole batch of dough. That is how God often works: quietly, slowly, and powerfully.
We may look at something small and think it does not matter: one prayer, one act of obedience, one word of truth, one step of faith, one person saying yes to God. But in God’s hands, small things are never wasted. What looks small to people can become something great when God breathes on it (1 Corinthians 1:27-29; Zechariah 4:10).
The Condition of the Heart Matters
Jesus also told a story about seed falling on different kinds of ground (Matthew 13:3-9; Mark 4:3-9; Luke 8:4-8). The seed was good, but not every place was ready to receive it. Some seed was taken away. Some started growing but had no roots. Some was choked by thorns. But some fell on good soil and produced a great harvest.
That teaches us something important: God’s Word is powerful, but our hearts must be open to receive it. A hard heart will not hold truth. A shallow heart will not last through trouble. A crowded heart, filled with worry and the love of money, will struggle to bear fruit. But a humble, honest, and open heart can receive God’s truth and grow (Matthew 13:18-23; Luke 8:11-15; Hebrews 4:12).
God Knows When to Deal With What Is Wrong
In another parable, Jesus spoke about weeds growing among wheat (Matthew 13:24-30). The workers wanted to pull the weeds up right away, but the landowner told them to wait until the harvest. If they pulled too soon, they might damage the wheat too.
This reminds us that God sees what is right and what is wrong, even when we do not understand why He allows certain things to remain for a season. His patience is not weakness. His timing is not late. God knows how to protect what belongs to Him, and He knows the right time to bring justice (Matthew 13:36-43; 2 Peter 3:9; Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Seek the Blessing, but Learn the Ways
Yes, we should thank God for His blessings. But we should also ask Him to teach us His ways. Blessings show us God’s goodness, but His ways teach us His heart. His Kingdom may start small, move quietly, grow slowly, and require patience, but it never fails (Psalm 103:7; Matthew 6:33; Luke 17:20-21).
So today, let us not only ask God to bless us. Let us ask Him to shape our hearts, deepen our roots, strengthen our faith, and help us trust the quiet ways of His Kingdom (Colossians 2:6-7; Proverbs 3:5-6).
Read and Reflect
God is a good Father. Read Matthew 7:11 and James 1:17. Take a moment to thank God for the blessings He has already given you. Then ask Him to help you seek not only His gifts, but also His heart.
God’s ways are higher than ours. Read Isaiah 55:8-9 and Romans 14:17. Reflect on the difference between the world’s way of gaining power and God’s way of building His Kingdom through righteousness, peace, and joy.
Small things matter in God’s hands. Read Matthew 13:31-33, Luke 13:18-21, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, and Zechariah 4:10. Ask yourself: What small act of obedience, prayer, or faith might God be asking me not to overlook?
The heart must be ready to receive the Word. Read Matthew 13:3-9, Matthew 13:18-23, Mark 4:3-9, and Luke 8:4-15. Pray for a heart that is not hard, shallow, or crowded, but soft, rooted, and fruitful before God.
God knows the right time. Read Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43, 2 Peter 3:9, and Ecclesiastes 3:1. When you do not understand why God allows certain things to remain for a season, ask Him for patience and trust in His timing.
Seek first the Kingdom. Read Psalm 103:7, Matthew 6:33, Luke 17:20-21, Colossians 2:6-7, and Proverbs 3:5-6. End by asking God to teach you His ways, deepen your roots, strengthen your faith, and help you walk in His Kingdom every day.
Minister A Francine Green I June 2026