Growing in the Gospel: A 5-Day DevotionalSample

Waiting for Our Garden to Grow

It can be overwhelming for novice gardeners to dig their hands into the world of seeds, soil, and potted plants for the first time. What will grow well? When should it be planted? How often does it need water? They may turn to an experienced gardener for help, taking advice from years of investment and experience: “Cucumbers grow fast and in abundance.” “We may have berries this year, but we planted them last year.” “Don’t try avocados. The soil here isn’t made for it, plus it takes seven years for them to grow.”

Quickly, a newbie realizes that gardening involves more than just grabbing a few packets of seed at the garden store and reaping the harvest all summer. There’s a lot that contributes to growth. The timing needs to be right. You need the right amount of sunlight, the right soil, enough water, and consistent maintenance. You need to learn about plants and prepare. In other words: if you want fruit (or vegetables), you need patience, perseverance, and precision.

Perhaps this is why God uses gardening imagery throughout Scripture to help us understand how we grow as Christians. Sometimes our growth is fast—like a cucumber. Other times, growth happens slowly and below the surface—like an avocado taking shape. Yet in Christ, we have faith that all the hidden work of gardening will lead to fruit in abundance. Time will tell—in life and in the garden. Until then, we do the work that leads to growth.