Even the desert has a flower. This thought came to mind a few weeks ago. It is absolutely amazing how every season brings a new opportunity for growth. It would be dreadful to have all things grow only in one season then the next all die. Now when you look at the earth there are some plants that only grow in certain seasons but there is always something else that is growing. I just find that awesome because no matter how harsh the season, plants still thrive, growth still happens, life is still found.
Now how does this relate to God? Well the answer is Jezreel. Jezreel means that God sows, or plants or provides seed. The Father is the Master Gardener. He knows what his garden needs to grow, produce, and to reproduce no matter what season comes (Jhn 15:1-2). So that gives those who follow Jesus...that gives ME no good excuse not to grow and not just grow but produce and reproduce.
So the next questions are, am I seeing growth in my walk with Jesus? Am I planting seeds of truth around me? Am I allowing myself to be pruned by God and those He places in my life? ...These are important questions and they can be answered by my actions. When I get frustrated am I quick to give up? When I am annoyed am I quick to get angry? If someone is rude and dismissive, how do I respond? Do I only see the desert and not the desert flower? Answering these questions for myself, I can say that I have more growing to do.
Growth requires a commitment. A commitment to the process, to the pruning, and a commitment to act. Pastor John made this point of commitment and growth in service the other day. He also said " The results of our actions should reflect our growth in God". This is very true! If I am not committed to Jesus and don't allow Him to refine me then the outcome is that my actions don't reflect who He is. To put it plainly, without commitment there isn't growth, no growth means no life, and without life how can I live for Christ? A garden is full of life because there is growth happening.
God's garden is a living garden, it is growing, producing and reproducing. The Lord provides tools for His people to grow in and closer to Him. The Father has given us Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and other members of the family of God to help us grow and know Him more. Growth brings about transformation, so the question is Do you want to grow? Are you committed to grow? Will you be committed to God? Even though I type these questions asking you, I have to ask myself these questions. God is not in the business of making dead things, but rather bringing life. He wants you to grow in Him which in return will transform your life by bringing the best out of you.
Thank you Jesus for your steadfastness! I repent of my fickle tendencies! Help me to be committed! I want to be committed to grow no matter the season I am in! Thank you for your grace and mercies that are new every morning!!
Verses to read:
Proverbs 4:23, Ezekiel 36: 26-27, Matthew 13:3-8, 2 Corinthians 9:10, Galatians 6:8, Matthew 9:37