Emergence

by | Apr 5, 2018 | Sowing Seeds Of Faith | 2 comments

Springtime and Easter, times that reveal new life and hope. It is a time that reminds us that there is hope beyond the obstacles we encounter and promise that with each new step we take, we have the power to make significant changes in our lives. Whether the darkness of winter was your obstacle or Lent was your catalyst for change, we are a people called to break through the barriers and follow the light – like the emergence of tiny sprouts forcing their way through the cold, dark earth.

April is one of my favorite months of the year.  I’m filled with awe and wonder that although we can’t quite see Spring in all its glory, underneath the melting snow and barren soil there is a miracle in the making.  Spring is a reminder that before the birth there are the pains of labor and before the bloom, there is fallow ground in need of work.  Beneath that surface – a stretching and pulling is happening, transforming the seed into God’s masterpiece.

For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem, “Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns. Jeremiah 4:3

There is so much happening in the journey from seed to bloom, very much like the journey of our life.  First, the seed has to land in a suitable place, only in favorable conditions will growth begin and break open its hardened shell.  Have you ever encountered a season in your life when God’s Word needed to break through the hardened shell of your heart?  If you have, then you know it is hard work.  In Jeremiah 4:3, the prophet is telling the people to break up that land, spiritually.  The ground is too hard for God’s Word to penetrate and grow into maturity.  Soil must be tilled and loosened so the seed can set root deeply where moisture can be found.  The hard work of preparing our hearts, breaking up the things that have become obstacles, is necessary for God’s Word to be rooted deep in our hearts.

Removing obstacles that hinder growth can be difficult and often painful. If not done properly the tools we use can get broken, leaving us stuck to deal with the obstacle and our brokenness (unbelief) on our own. Taking the time to chip away at the obstacle with the proper tools in hand prepares a place for the seed to grow. Once properly prepared, roots begin to anchor the plant and soak up water and nutrients preparing the growth of the shoot.

Scripture, prayer and wise mentors can help us prepare our hearts for His Word to take root in the same way.  As we learn to trust we become more confident and we begin to step out in faith, just as the shoot begins to develop and push upward growing into a stem.  This stem becomes the vessel to bring water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.  So too, we become the vessel God uses to bring hope and comfort to our family and friends.  We are the stem that offers support to those most closely attached to us.

Just as the leaves collect the sunlight that provides energy for the plant to bloom, the Son continues to feed us and energize us for the storms and changes ahead.  This journey from seed to bloom isn’t always visible to us.  Much of the work happens when we’re not even aware of it and suddenly there it is, a tiny sprout that dares to reach up towards the light and bloom into an amazing work of art.  And so it is with soul-shaping.  God’s sees beyond where our eyes can take us, as the song by Danny Gokey, Masterpiece, points out.

You’re making a masterpiece, You’re shaping the soul in me,

You’re moving where I can’t see, and all I am is in Your hands.

You’re taking me all apart like it was your plan from the start.

To finish your work of art for all to see.  You’re making a masterpiece.

 

Sowing  Sunday living in a weekday world.

I hope you enjoyed your visit here today.  If you did, please share your thoughts in the comments below or share on social media using the hashtag #gardenerstouch. 

2 Comments

  1. Julie Brady

    I learn so much from you. To see and hear your words helps me to understand so much more than just reading the bible and going “HUH” I can now read the bible and say “YES” . Thank you Linda

    Reply
    • gardenerstouch2012

      How kind of you to say that. I’m so happy to share my faith with people like you. ??

      Reply

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