God's Garden

My neighbors have had a huge garden for several years and I remember when they first started to plant it. They went out and started tiling up the ground, preparing the soil, and then planted their seeds. It took a while before they could see any forms of life in that area, but they would continually water their garden because they knew it needed water to produce results.

Eventually, plants started to emerge and spring forth. Soon you could tell what kind of plants were there: tomato, peppers, beans and more. I’m sure for them it was great to see how their hard work paid off and they were now ready to harvest. You see it all started with a choice and a desire to have something. Then they had to act on that desire. They had to take a step of faith and plant seeds.

They had to faithfully continue to do what was needed to produce a beautiful garden even though they knew they wouldn’t see results as quickly as they wanted to. Because of their faithfulness, in time they were able to harvest all those fresh vegetables. They always have so much harvest that they share it with my family and me. It’s amazing how one seed can produce enough that it can be shared with others.

Our lives are in effect the same as the process of growing a garden. We desire something different in our lives, we want more than what this world has to offer us. When we accept the Lord into our hearts and lives a seed is implanted in us. We then must have a faithful relationship with Him allowing Him to change us. In our faithfulness, we will start to see the results of the Lord being in our lives. We will experience the harvest and so much harvest that others can see a change within us as well.

“ I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-4)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last- and so whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:16)

You see He’s chosen us to be fruitful and blessed - a harvest. Like my neighbors with their garden when they planted, weeded, watered, and fertilized they had a harvest. This is how our lives should be. We are a beautiful garden in God's eyes. Everything He makes is beautiful but also for a purpose. His purpose!

What About You?

1. Are you willing to let the Lord change and grow you?

2. Are there areas of your life that you keep from God's hands?