More Mature Than First Thought

A couple of weeks back I walked through our garden bed that contains the zucchini plants. I noticed many yellow blossoms promising future growth. Some of these s blossoms were attached to small, green, tubular plants.   This early growth produced mouth watering images of zoodles, chips and bread that would be made from these zucchinis in weeks to come.

Another walk through this garden bed less than one week later brought a great surprise. On this walk I found three of these zucchinis that were more than 14 inches (36 centimeters) long. (Yes I measured them.) Even with the sun and rain, this degree of growth could not have occurred in only 5 days time. The only explanation is that the cursory examination of the bed that I had made earlier had missed some developing plants.  These missed plants were now fully developed and ready to pick and enjoy.

Do we examine the growth in our lives in much the same way? It is easy to take stock of our spiritual growth with anticipation of what God may be doing soon. But focusing on this, we miss the work that has already been accomplished in us.  Just as July may be early for this harvest of zucchini, there can be times of an early harvest of God’s work in our lives.  After persistence in prayer and the study of Scriptures concerning an area of struggle, we may suddenly realize the work has been completed, while we were unaware of the progress.  Jesus spoke this parable. “And He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground,  And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and increases—he knows not how.  The earth produces [acting] by itself—first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” (Mark 4:26-28 AMP) 

On more than one occasion, this process has occurred in my life concerning forgiveness.  There have been hurtful situations that have been difficult to give over to God.  Like planting a seed, the process began with a decision to forgive.  With prayer both for my change in my heart and the blessings of God in the life of the ones who have responsible for the hurt, massive change has occurred in me.  I have studied both what the Bible says about forgiveness and relationships with others. After some time has passed I have either been in a conversation where a name has come up or actually encountered a person who caused the hurt.  I am actually surprised that the negative feelings have been replaced with genuine love and concern. 

This can occur more and more as we realize our identity in Jesus Christ.  Jesus always forgives and in Him we can do the same.  If we let go of our own rights and self centered ways and allow God to show us His intended plan, we can allow our feelings to die and experience a life more like Christ‘s life.  “For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.” (Colossians 3:3-4 AMP)  With this promise we can be confident that God will develop character in our lives. 

This hidden growth principle occurs in other areas of life as well.  We may feel ill equipped for work that God has prepared for us.  Arguments may assault us. “I don’t know enough.” “I am not ready.”  “Someone else can do this better” The list of objections is unending.  As God nudges us forward and we obey, we may find that we know more than we realized.  This is the perfect time and we are the perfect choice for this task.  The growth God has accomplished in our lives is greater than we imagined.  We begin to truly understand the words of Paul.  “For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) 

So check out the garden of your life today.  You may be surprised at the growth you find hidden there.