We are taking a look this at healthy transition. As I stated yesterday, transition is not a fun time, but can be healthy.
I was sitting in my office yesterday afternoon having a conversation with a friend about reaching those who were far from God. We got to talking about the scripture in 1 Corinthians 3 that says some plant the seed, some water, but it is God that brings the increase. We both agreed that in ministry (I do not believe ministry is just done by those that get paid) you have to be satisfied and willing just to plant the seed if that is all that God called you to do in a persons life. You have to trust God is the one who truly brings the increase. It is His garden, it is His increase.
Then my friend looked at me and said one of the most profound things I have heard in a while. She said, "Sometimes God allows you to plant the seed and to water it. When that happens you better be willing to pull some weeds as well." How true is that statement? Sometimes we are fine with the planting, and fine with the watering, but do not make us work for it. Do not make us get our hands dirty. I believe Paul uses a farming analogy here to show us that life is messy and we will have to get our hands dirty. There is no way to plant a seed in the soil of someone's life without getting some of that soil on you. I am proud of the soil that I have sown into, I am proud to say that not only have I had an opportunity to help change people's lives but they have changed mine as well.
When in transition you put yourself in a place of trust. Trust the One that brings the increase know better that you. It is that trust that put you in the position that you are in now. Let that trust take you to another one and bring someone else in to plant and water some more.
Transition is healthy when you realize your place in the Kingdom and you have done what God has called you to do where you are.
1 Corinthians 3:6-8, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor."
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Posted in | |
0 Comments »
One Responses to "It's God's Garden"
Post a Comment