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“And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:8 (ESV)

Who would have thought that a tiny little piece of green with dangling roots could become so beautiful? My mom gave me a snippet of her rose bush and there wasn’t even a hint of pretty in that small jar. Its roots filled the dirty water without a glimpse of potential. I’m definitely not a green thumb type of girl. Nothing I plant seems to flourish so the chances of a rose appearing one day was obsolete despite the abundant bush that birthed this sprig.

Wonder how many times we’ve watched dangling roots of growth in our lives and wondered how God could birth any beauty? Glimpses of tiny steps struggling to move forward compared to where we should have arrived long ago. Easily forgetting what it took for others to flourish: sacrifice, discipline, obedience, hard work and divine appointment.

For this girl, there’s been too many times when I’ve zeroed in on the lack of potential. Countless hours, I’ve spent excusing away my lack of growth. Even allowed doubts to derail me quenching the Spirit’s work within me. Denying the chance God could use me because the dirty waters of my past drowned out the future.

Every gardener knows the enemy of a rose bush are pesky insects who love to steal away its beauty. Especially when buds begin to unfold, bugs will attack causing them to wilt and die before they fully bloom. And if the infected buds aren’t treated, the entire bush will be weakened and unattractive.

Same is true for us. The enemy loves to attack us especially when we are on the verge of bursting forth in the glory of God’s calling. Growth can be halted simply by the lies of one who seeks to sidetrack us from God’s best. Allowing excuses to eat away at our godly confidence weakens us to the core.

So what’s a girl supposed to do when her chance to bloom is hanging by a thread? Sweet friend we simply run into the arms of Jesus. We hold on tight to His truths. We admit our doubts, fears and struggles to the One who can empower us to stay the course. We surround ourselves with godly friends who can hold us accountable when the enemy attacks. We exchange comparison and envy for the sure joy of accepting the beauty He created within us. And when we least expect it, we will glimpse a bud of faith blooming right before our eyes.

“Sweet Jesus how we love the way you tend our souls. You cultivate growth even in the midst of barrenness and fill us with the fragrant aroma of Your love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life