Faith makes all things possible. Faith is a supernatural force that allowed Jesus to do the impossible. Jesus compared mountain-moving faith to a mustard seed. A mustard seed is a tiny seed. Jesus said faith is like a small seed. He also taught His disciples a parable, known as the parable of the sower (Mark 4:3-33).
In this parable a farmer went out and sowed his seed. Some of the seed fell on the path and was eaten by birds. Other seed fell on rocky soil, and because it could not grow deep roots, it withered in the sun. Others fell among thorns that grew along side it and choked it so it could not produce fruit. Other seed fell on good ground and was fruitful.
Jesus explained this parable to His disciples. He told them the farmer was sowing the Word of God. The Word is the seed of faith. Some people hear the Word and live a life of overcoming faith. Others hear the same Word and live a life of defeat.
The seed that was sown on the path represents the Word of God that is heard, but goes in one ear and out the other. Those on the path hear the Word, and Satan comes immediately to steal the Word. When Satan steals the Word before it has time to grow, no fruit can be produced.
Others hear the Word and begin to act upon it, but because they do not develop good roots, they fail to produce fruit. When you are not rooted and grounded in the word of God, your faith will fail when the heat is turned up.
This is what happened to those on rocky soil. Jesus said they were easily offended when affliction or persecution attack them. These trials come to steal the Word, and if they are not rooted and grounded in faith and love, their faith will fail.
The people represented by thorny soil are those who hear the Word, but because they are filled with the cares of the world, fail to produce fruit. People can become distracted by the need to acquire riches and things. The desire to acquire riches is deceitful and causes the loss of the seed of faith.
Faith that overcomes the world is not a faith that is distracted by the things of the world. A person who has overcoming faith will not allow themselves to be sidetracked by the cares of living. They know God is their source for all good things, and they have faith that God will meet their needs.
In the parable of the sower, people with successful faith are those who take the Word of God into their hearts and let it produce fruit. The Word of God is the seed of faith that overcomes limits in your life. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Jesus has won the victory, but you must live a life of faith to produce fruit for God.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Happy Caldwell is the founder and Pastor of Agape Church, a strong, Spirit-filled body of believers in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is Founder and President of the Victory Television Network, which operates two full-power Christian television stations in Little Rock and Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is also President of the International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM) located in Little Rock Arkansas.
Happy has an anointed way of presenting the Word of God in profound simplicity, making the character of God a revelation to those who hear. In 1979, God spoke to him to build a spiritual production center which would deliver the gospel throughout Little Rock, Arkansas, the United States, and the world. The Spirit of God has instructed him in the principles of taking a city for Jesus Christ. Through this revelation and a daily television program, "Arkansas Alive" (via the Victory Television Network), the city of Little Rock is being changed into a "city of light."
Happy has recorded several record albums and is known for his heartfelt worship to God. He has also authored several books.