Day 256
Matthew 13:4-19
"And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart This is he which received seed by the way side."
Jesus explained that a lack of understanding causes the word to be stolen from us. We must recognize this for our own benefit, as well as for the benefit of those we minister to. Since the benefits of God's Word are lost when we don't have understanding, we can minimize our losses by praying for or giving thanks for understanding when we listen to or read the Word.
When we realize how others we share the gospel with can fail to receive, we can reduce the casualties by praying for their understanding, rather than by assuming they understand. The Bible says in II Corinthians 4:3-4 that the god of this world (Satan) blinds the minds of those who do not believe, to prevent them from seeing the glorious light of the gospel. Satan's job is to do what he can to hinder the sinner and the believer from benefiting from the Word of God. Our job is to destroy that hindrance by prayer, taking authority over the works of darkness, and being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
I will increase my benefits from the Word by receiving understanding by faith. I will increase the results of my ministry to others by interceding for their understanding of the gospel when I share it.