Miracle in a Bean Sprout

A devotional by Karen Faber

Scripture:

“But what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit...” — Matthew 13:23 (ESV)

When the Lord spoke to my heart through a prophet, He said, “Sow seeds. Plant a garden.” It was clear. It was simple. And I obeyed.

My husband and I bought soil. I started seeds inside our home, nurturing them with hope and expectation. I heard the phrase, "God’s Miracle Garden," and my spirit soared. This was going to be beautiful.

As I planted new seeds into the Arizona dirt, I could feel life and beauty rising from the earth. Working the soil with my hands, breathing in its scent, felt amazing—it stirred something deep within me. This is God’s soil, and I know He is going to do amazing things with it!

But then… the squirrels came. They didn’t just nibble—they devoured. Beans, zucchini, peas… gone. My heart sank. I was devastated. Angry. I cried out, “God, I obeyed! Why did this happen?” But He was still speaking, even in the silence.

Determined, I replanted—beans, tomatoes, marigolds, onions, peppers, and more. I layered the soil with cayenne pepper, did my best to guard it. But the squirrels came back again, stripping it down to nothing. Everything was eaten… except the peppers and the geraniums.

Today, I walked into the garden again. And there it was. One single bean sprouting. A small, green testimony that Heaven heard my obedience and hadn't forgotten the promise.

That little plant is named Miracle.

Jesus said some seed would fall on rocky ground, some among thorns, some on the path—but some would fall on good soil. The enemy tried to steal my harvest, but he couldn't take what God ordained to grow.

Sometimes, the miracle is not in the full harvest—but in the seed that survives.

1. Reflection:

Have you ever felt like your obedience led to disappointment?

Did you sow what God told you to sow, only to see it seemingly devoured?

Wait on the Lord. Tend to the soil. Protect what He gave you. And look closely… because sometimes the miracle begins small.

1. Prayer:

Lord, thank You for reminding me that no act of obedience is wasted. Even when things seem lost, You are still working beneath the surface. Help me trust You with the seeds You’ve called me to plant, and give me eyes to see the miracles—even the ones that start small. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Originally published on Blessings in the Desert by Karen Faber