And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown; when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which is sown in them. And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns; they are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold." Mark 4:15–20 (RSV)
As Jesus explains the parable of the Sower, we Iowans might wonder why the sower wastes seed on the soil he knows has little hope of producing a crop. We carefully consider the nature of each field to determine which is suitable for crops and which is not.
Our goal is to produce a reliable harvest year upon year. The Father's purpose goes in another direction. The Father knows that many hearts are hardened against His Word. He knows that some are less than ideal, while others are caught up in the love of the world.
Still, He casts His Word on them nonetheless and continues to do so. The Word He sends is the Word that called all things into being. Mountains and great storms are obedient to His Word. Thus, He sends His Word into the hardest, most thorny, disinterested hearts. We would not waste time or effort, for we cannot cause the Word to affect.
But then, we have not been commanded to bring anyone to faith. Jesus' Great Commission sends us to proclaim. Nowhere does Jesus say that the response to the Word is ours to achieve. The Holy Spirit is constantly working with the Word, creating faith where we couldn't imagine it possible.
So proclaim the Word with the same abandon that the Father goes with His mercy and grace. Have no concern for what the outcome will be; that is the Father's to accomplish. We are sent to sow the Word.