First off Happy New Year! It is another year for new opportunities, new revelations, new friends, new GROWTH!
You ever heard of a sprout? Well other than the store, when a seed sprouts it begins to grow. Webster Dictionary defines sprout when used as a verb as: to grow, spring up or come forth; to send out new growth. This is a process that comes out of falling away or leaving behind. What do I mean? I am glad you asked! A seed has everything it needs to become what it was intended for, whether its a flower, a weed, or a tree! Now the seed isn't self sustaining BUT when placed in the right conditions it blooms and becomes exactly what it was intended. This seed growing process is called germination. Websters dictionary says germination is to cause to sprout or develop. In this process, the seed coat must be shed for this new growth to begin. So you see, after the seed sheds its coat there is no going back! Now quick question, what did the seed do to begin this sprouting process? Did it have to figure out all the logistics and timing? NOPE, the seed dwelled in the conditions that brought out what it was already made to do!
So why am I talking about seeds, germination and sprouting? It's because it applies to life, to be specific it applies to my life. As a believer in Jesus Christ I am called to be like-Christ, I am called to be whom God has called me to be and this requires transformation. You see, a seed not in the right conditions won't be all that it is made to be. If I place myself in an environment that is not conducive of growth then I will lay dormant with all the potential the Lord has given me. BUT, if I dwell in places that result in germination I then become exactly what I was made to do, I begin to sprout. You see God hasn't called me to figure out how I am going to grow nor does He tell me to take control of my growing, or figure out this or that out. He calls me into his presence to dwell with him and to just allow his presence to do what it does best, germinate me and bring forth the sprouts. In Mark 4:26-27 Jesus says the Kingdom of God is like when a farmer spreads seed on the ground and through the night and day the seed sprouts and grows, bringing forth a harvest! The Kingdom is the perfect germination place for seeds to sprout. Why? Because where God's presence is, transformation happens. Just look at the times when Jesus calls his disciples, he said follow me! He said leave what you are comfortable with and have known your whole life and follow me into New life, New sprouts, New growth (Matt. 16:24, Matt. 9:9, John 10:27)!
So am I telling you that for growth to happen something must fall away? That you can't experience growth doing the same thing over and over? Yes, even nature tells us so, just look at the sprout. AND I am also saying stop trying to figure out how to sprout, rather place yourself in the environment that brings forth the natural growth process. Where can you find this environment? In Christ. Jesus has done the work already, it is already done and all you have to do is dwell. Dwell in the promises of God's word, dwell in his presence and HE WILL complete the work he started in you (Philippians 1:6)!
Psalm 139: 1-6,13-16
"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord . 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
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13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 17 How precious are your thoughts about me, God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!How precious are your thoughts about me, O God."
Thank You Lord for your grace and your all sufficiency!! Lord I pray there be a germination and sprouting among your children! Bring forth new growth and deep roots. I pray Lord for those who don't yet know you that their hearts will be softened and your word will begin to germinate in their hearts and minds. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear and heart to follow after you! In Jesus Name.