How Many Apples?
by Sophia L. Hansen
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who… entrusted to his servants his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability”
(Matthew 25:14-15, ESV).
“God has planted in you a story no one else can write.”
Literary agent Bob Hostetler’s words at my first writing conference dove deep into my heart and took root. Weaving in and through my author’s soul, they spawned new ideas.
If the story ideas God entrusts to us are like seeds, we are called to be faithful stewards of these gifts and tend those little sprouts of his divine inspiration.
Seeds look nothing like the plants they come from but are packed with potential. We can keep them in a bag or store them in a shed and they might survive. Some may even sprout. But they will never realize their full potential if they are tucked away in the dark. The longer we delay planting, the less likely they are to grow.
Why hold onto them? Maybe it’s the wrong season, we don’t have the needed tools, or don’t have time to invest in planting. God knew this when he entrusted us with those story-kernels.
Like seeds, our words need to be planted. They need to be nurtured and protected from the droughts of procrastination, weeds of negative thoughts, and consuming pests of discouragement. We need to do the hard work of cultivating our story kernels. God will provide the increase.
Like those seeds, our writing has a purpose. To grow, mature, and finally bear fruit that nourishes others. How much fruit will the seed in your hand produce? Only God knows for certain. But as the farmer plants his seeds in anticipation of a coming harvest, we writers must sow the words God gives us on the page and allow readers to reap the gift of his great benefits.
“Anyone can count the number of seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.” – Robert H. Schuller
Dear God, thank you for the story seeds you have placed in our hands, for the opportunity to write down your words and share them with the world. Guide and strengthen us to walk in obedience and be faithful stewards. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
Sophia Hansen, an organic author, uses no artificial ingredients in her stories—unless absolutely convenient. She writes and edits flash fiction for Havok Publishing and her award-winning novel, Water’s Break, released in January 2024 to critical acclaim. After 30-plus years of marriage, seven children, and numerous pets, Sophia is grateful she can still fit into her high school earrings.
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