I am NOT a master gardener. In fact, I’m far from it and many of my plants can attest to that. But in my little knowledge (I’m sure those with green thumbs will agree), I do know that certain plants will only prosper in the right season, in the right soil, in the right amount of sunlight, with the perfect amount of pruning, etc. No matter how much you want a specific plant to grow, planting during the wrong season and under the wrong conditions will prevent the plant from flourishing.
So it is in our lives. We have been planted in various soils – our place of employment, our schools, our neighborhoods, our churches, certain ministries, etc.
Instead of growing and flourishing where God has planted us, we are fighting, dragging our feet, screaming, and complaining. We are unhappy; we are running and praying for God to move us out of the soil we are in and place us somewhere else.
In John 15:1, Jesus says “I am the true vine and My Father is the gardener.” The Father, our master gardener, understands the perfect condition each plant needs. He understands when to turn the soil, when to prune, and when to transplant each plant.
What if you need to be in your specific “soil” as preparation for what is ahead? What if you need to grow, be nurtured and prepared for the next place that God will take you? Maybe some of the troubles at work are supposed to teach you something. Maybe you are in that ministry because someone needs the gifts you have to offer.
Where do you find yourself being planted today and what is your attitude?
Lord, I pray that I will grow where you have planted me. Help me to not rush the process, but to trust that when I’ve outgrown the places I’ve been planted you will move me to the next fertile soil.
