Uncommen: SowSample

The Sprout

The beginning always seems overwhelming, a time when everything appears formless and empty (Genesis 1:1–2). How amazing is it to feel the Spirit of God hovering over us when we create? Planting a garden can seem daunting. Will the seeds sprout? What will my harvest be like?

Everything good within you began with a seed (Genesis 1:11-12). A loved one planted a seed upon you. The Spirit of God has placed you on a path of growth. Like plants, we need care and connection to the vine to grow. Watching a garden grow is much like the spiritual seed that grows within you. It can be slow, and God’s timing is not speeding up to match our timing. It requires faith.

Watching the garden grow, I cannot help but reflect upon my spiritual journey and where it all began. My spiritual journey started as a toddler inside my mother’s beauty shop at an early age. At age three, one client, Margaret, gave me a miniature Bible in 1969. I still remember the full-color images that graced the pages. It was a remarkable piece of artwork, and I carried it everywhere. She would read to me when she came each week and explain Jesus to me.

The seed she planted led me to seek more, usually through Vacation Bible School in the summer when I would ride my bike to a local rural church. Margaret taught me a lot, and pastor Doug, who never minded me, and a friend, joined them each summer. I doubt either envisioned me ending up in seminary, leading various ministries, or planting a church. However, I know they planted the seeds and often prayed for my family. Margaret even carried a photo of me until her death, often praying over that photo.

Growth is a mysterious experience using hydroponics, just like our spiritual journey. The process of life is a mystery. Even though science can explain it, the miracle of birth is always a miracle and a God thing.

The metamorphosis of the soul is a renewal of the mind. The change is so profound that the caterpillar transcends its previous existence into a unique form with different capacities.

The caterpillar is obedient, understanding that “it is time.” Trusting the process, the caterpillar submits to the urging. We do not differ from the caterpillar or the plants. It is all part of becoming who God created us to be.

You may not know it, but God is working on you. God is revealing these areas, and your wisdom is growing. Read Galatians 3:13-14 and pray over the questions.

Questions and Challenge:

Who is someone in your social circle that seems lost? Could you remind them of who they are?

What aspect of my life or inner being is being touched or spoken to through this Scripture?

My challenge is to reflect on who planted the seed with you. Are you planting seeds unto others? Where are you planting seeds?