The Parable of the Sower

A farmer went out to sow his seed (seed = an illustration of God's word).

Parable	Meaning
Seeds fell along the path. Birds come and ate it up.	As soon as they hear the word, Satan comes and take away.
Seeds fell on rocky places/no much soil. The plants sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. The plants were scorched, when the sun came. The plants withered, because no root or no moisture.	They hear the word and receive it with joy. The word has no root and last only a short time. When trouble or persecution come, they quickly fall away.
Seeds fell among thorns. Thorns grew up and choked the plants. The plants did not bear grain.	They hear the word, but worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Seed fell on good soil. The plants came up, grew, produced a crop, and multiply.	They hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop.

Source: Mark 4:1-20, Mat 13:1-23, Luke 8:4-15

One factor that affects how the word of God grows is how well the person accepts it. There are times that we realize that the evil ones, troubles, persecution, deceitfulness of wealth, desires, and worries affect our growth. When that happens, I suggest asking God for good soil and seeds in you. He loves you and wants you to grow.