Fertile Soil: A Contribution From Our Friends at Generous Giving
By Ryan Zuelner, California Director at Generous Giving
In Matthew 13, Jesus shares the Parable of the Sower, illustrating different responses to the Word of God. He describes the good soil as where the seed falls, takes root, and produces an abundant crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. A kingdom-focused life bears fruit—spiritual fruit. God desires to use us in extraordinary ways, and amazing things happen when our hearts are receptive.
I grew up in the church and, for much of my early life, I saw the world as a place where evil was winning. I thought the Christian life was primarily about resisting evil, holding the line, and avoiding the things that could pull me away from God. But at some point, I had a major mindset shift. I began to realize that God didn’t just want me to be on the defensive—He wanted me to grow. He wanted me to thrive and bear spiritual fruit. Instead of feeling like I was trying to survive in a hostile world, I discovered that God was for me. He had a plan for my life, a purpose beyond avoiding sin. He wanted me to be part of His kingdom work, producing something lasting and meaningful.
That realization changed everything.
Yet, if we’re honest, many of us don’t immediately see ourselves in the good soil. Instead, we relate more closely to the third soil that struggles. In the previous verse, Jesus describes this condition, explaining that the seed falling among thorns represents those who hear the word but allow the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth to choke it, rendering it unfruitful.
This distinction is crucial. The seed that falls on good soil flourishes, while two major obstacles hinder the seed that falls among thorns. First, the worries of life weigh us down, filling our minds with anxiety and stress about our daily needs. Rather than trusting in God, we let these concerns dominate our thoughts. Second, the deceitfulness of wealth tricks us into believing that money can provide security, fulfillment, or purpose. However, wealth was never meant to be our source of ultimate satisfaction; instead, it is a tool meant to be used for building God’s kingdom. When we misunderstand its role, we miss out on the deeper blessings God intends for us.
So how do we move from the thorny soil to the good soil?
It starts with a shift in perspective. Trusting in God means surrendering our worries and relying on His provision rather than being consumed by anxiety. Reframing our understanding of wealth allows us to see money not as an end goal but as a resource entrusted to us for stewardship, generosity, and sacrifice. When we do this, we begin to experience true riches—joy, blessing, and life that is truly life in Christ Jesus.
One powerful way to cultivate good soil in our lives is by embracing generosity. The Journey of Generosity is an overnight, 24-hour experience that provides an opportunity to reshape our relationship with money and free ourselves from the daily worries that entangle us by taking some extended time to focus on God’s generous heart. It helps us align our hearts with God’s perspective on wealth, release financial anxieties, and create space for God’s Word to take deep root in our lives. There’s no talk about how much one gives, or even what ministries they give to.
As we embrace this journey, we move away from the distractions of worry and wealth’s deception and into the abundant life God promises—one that yields thirty, sixty, or even a hundredfold fruit for His Kingdom. The invitation is open. Will you take that step today?
The Barnabas Group - Sacramento facilitates 2-3 JOGs per year. If you are interested in attending, please email krista.fisher@barnabasgroup.org or host your own by clicking this LINK: https://generousgiving.org/jog/journey-new/
About The Author: Ryan Zuelner
Ryan is a philanthropic advisor with The National Christian Foundation, a missions pastor, and a Generous Giving partner. He has spent the majority of his career helping people discover and give to Kingdom causes all over the world. A graduate of Biola University with a degree in Christian Education, Ryan has held several pastoral roles, developed and launched multiple ministries and nonprofits, and led missions teams and vision trips. He is passionate about working with families to develop giving strategies that build a family culture of generosity. He and his wife, Jenn, and their kids live in Southern California.