God Makes Things Grow

God Makes Things Grow…

Think about it: we often get caught up in the doing, in the effort we put in. We meticulously plant the seeds of our endeavors, whether it’s a new project at work, nurturing a relationship, or even trying to cultivate a new habit.

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  1 Corinthians 3:7

We diligently water these efforts with our time, energy, and resources. And yet, the verse reminds us that all our planting and watering, in and of themselves, amount to nothing in terms of ultimate growth and fruition.

It’s not that our actions are meaningless. The planting and watering are necessary steps. The farmer must till the soil and sow the seed; the gardener must provide nourishment. Our efforts are a demonstration of our faith and our willingness to participate in the process.

However, the crucial element, the one that truly brings life and increase, is beyond our control. It is God who provides the sunshine, the rain, the fertile ground – the very essence of growth.

This understanding can be both humbling and liberating. It humbles us by acknowledging our limited power and dependence on a higher power. We are not the ultimate source of success.

It liberates us from the burden of feeling solely responsible for the outcome. We can pour our hearts into our work, knowing that the final result rests in God’s hands.

This doesn’t mean we become passive. Instead, it encourages us to work with diligence and dedication, while simultaneously releasing our grip on the need for a specific outcome.

We trust that God, in His wisdom and timing, will bring about the growth that is meant to be. Our role is to be faithful in the planting and watering, trusting the Gardener for the harvest.

Our business is to do our duty; the rest is God’s.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this gentle reminder that our efforts are part of a larger plan. Help us to be diligent in our planting and watering, to invest our time and energy wisely in the tasks You have given us. But more importantly, grant us the wisdom to recognize that true growth comes from Your hand. Release us from the anxiety of trying to control outcomes and fill us with a deep trust in Your provision. May we always acknowledge You as the source of all life and increase. Amen.

God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼