The Song of the SeedIvy Lai Sahagun

I am a seed.I am small as you can see,Yet, deep inside this heart, I knowGod is hard at work in me.

I know His plans for me are greatDespite the fears I face;For die into the cold, dark earth I mustFore victory’s fruit I taste.

O death, where is your sting?O grave, where is your victory?Although I lie in this wilderness grave,My heart to the Sower will I sing.

For He has birthed in me a good wokAnd He is faithful to keep;His word of power to rouse and shake meFrom this fitful sleep.

Suddenly from deep bowels of earth I hearThe Master calling loud and clear;“Awake, Little seed! Your time has come!Skake off all doubts and fear!

For your Great Sower eagerly awaitsThe fruit that you will bearAnd to a dark and dreary worldThe strong branches you will share!”

Eagerly I wipe the sleep from your eyesAnd take one deep, excited breathThen with a heart a-poundingI push with all my mightTo free myself from the grip of Death.

O, what warmth! O, what joy I feelAs the sun’s welcoming smile shines upon my faceI proudly wave my fresh limbs to HimWho birthed me in love and grace.

How can I thank Thee, Great Sower of mine?You who planted Your kingdom in my heart?Shall I sing? Shall I dance?Shall I the Red Sea apart?

Then He replied with such love in His eyes,“Little tree, little tree, don’t you understand? Nor by many miracles it demands.

By love alone will the world recognizeThat you are truly of Me;The strong fruit of love on your branches bearIs the way that they will see.”

Now I know the reason for my beingWhy from seed to tree I have become;I am to grow tall and strong in the wildernessAnd birds on my sturdy branches welcome.

Here ends my storyFor I still have much growing to do;In store for me is much hard workI’m sure you have work to do, too.

For all of us are called to finishThe Great Sower’s work and plan;To bear His spirit’s fruit of loveAnd on His principles stand.

And just as long as we grounded in Him,Built on the Rock, not on sinking sand;The wilderness will bloom into a garden, For His kingdom will be at hand.