Growing Spiritually

Growing Spiritually

As we come to the end of 2021 this is a great time to reflect. A great time to look back on how we have grown in certain areas of our lives or not grown.

Sometimes we can look back and say “Wow” based on the evidence of what we have before us in the present. There has been development and depth apparent in our walk with the Lord.

There are other times though when the growth isn’t as noticeable because stuff is still being developed. It just doesn’t look beautiful...yet.

During my reflection I began to look at a houseplant that my mom had given me. This plant was given early 2021 and started off as a few leaves. She instructed me to put them in a jar of water and place them in a well-lit place to help the roots grow.

Now you have to remember this is Duane Thomas former chef not former gardener. I knew very little at the time about transplants and how to grow a plant like this. I just thought you just had to put it in a pot of dirt and keep watering it. But I listened to my mom and now nearly a year later my plant has transformed.

During the process I kept on wanting to pull the plant out of the water and put it a pot. Mom said “leave it. You must let the plant develop strong roots”. When I finally placed the plant, in a pot with soil the plant had thick roots. It was ready to develop on its own.

From that time on I used three different sizes of pots during its growth. With each stage the plant became root bound. The plant kept needing more space to grow. With heat and humid conditions involved this plant grew faster and bigger than I had ever envisioned.

My point is when a person, any person is placed in the right condition, especially if they have come to that place in a weakened state, they will grow. We must all grow roots and sometimes this means staying in a season of being uncomfortable or in a place that is not entirely familiar. But it is there in that season when we are immersed in the water of the Holy Spirit, that we will see substantial growth. The development that we need to take us through future seasons, is essential. We must be patient and let God do a work in our hearts. Let Him do what He does best, while we do what we need to do. And you know while there, learn all you can and be intentional about your growth and the growth of others.

God wants all our situations, our disappointments, and not so good decisions to be made into a something that not only will beautify us, the object of His affection, but which will also bring Him glory!

Look at Isaiah 61:3

To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

Growth is stimulated by proper nourishment and the right kind of environment.

Question: Ask yourself “What adjustments do I need to make to foster new growth in 2022?”

Stay Planted.

Duane.