Hello LE Family and Welcome September!
The Seedling is the 9th stone of my Significant 12 personal blog series. Within this series I have been sharing some of my personal experiences of growing in my relationship with God over the year 2022
This month we will be looking at ‘Growing Well’ and enjoying the Process. I know this is something we can all struggle with as we often have a “NOW” mindset, especially when we feel we have seen the end goal in times of prayer or through prophetic revelations from others.
This leads us into this month’s scripture Corinthians 13 (Read the full chapter)
-The Key Scripture-
-I am a Seedling-
I’m sitting here in my garden relaxing, meditating on the season I am in, looking at the flowers and plants in my garden.
I’m feeling a lot like a plant lately, well not quite a plant yet, more of a seed with little shoots being transplanted into a new pot to make room for new growth. Yesss a baby seedling, super cute sprouting little leaves 🌱
As I continue to sit here, my mind turns to all the things I have to do, as well as the things I want to do. It is almost time for me to return back to the course I’m studying
“Theology and Leadership”.
I know that one day I will be in full-time ministry, doing God’s work and I can not WAIT!!
I am not one for courses, I struggle to study as I have dyslexia, concentration is also difficult as my mind is active all of the time.
However, in 2 Timothy 2:15 the bible says we must study to show ourselves approved…. so here I am studying AGAIN!
Admittedly, I can sometimes find change and growth really hard as I just want to be at the end goal already! Never peacefully embracing the different stages that are needed in order to grow and be be ready for the bigger vision that God has given me is a bit of a thing for me.
What’s with all these steps and processes, just get me there already?
So here I am, going through the process, embarking on a journey, and feeling quite frustrated. I’m thinking about all the different time scales and things I need to do, whilst at the same time battling with thoughts:
Is this even going to happen?
Why am I doing this again?
When is this going to happen?
How is this going to happen?
It was in this frustration and through asking God all these questions, that I finally understood, that God wants me to walk in step within Him, trust him and enjoy the process
I hear God say:
“Why do you rush, why do you not enjoy the things you see and learn on your journey? All these things that I am exposing you to, things that will build you and allow you to create and do Great things in my name? “
It was then that I realized I was not growing so well.
In my rush to ‘get there’ I had been trying to flower before my stems had even sprouted. God wanted me to slow down, grow at a steady pace, experience joy, create, learn, make new friends, and grow in character and in strength.
God wanted me to take my eyes off the destination and enjoy the journey!
-The Need for Nurture-
Pruning is by far one of the most difficult aspects when it comes to taking care of plants. However if plants are not pruned vital air and light can be cut off from new or already healthy plants.
There was a period last year when I felt lead to take a break from blogging to focus in on other things. As a result of this and finally slowed down God pointed to my next my next within Life Essence Ministry which was the women’s
Now I am back blogging and writing this I have also realized how the stopping has allowed me to grow as a writer and in my knowledge of the word, teaching and my ability to minister to you through lessons learnt.
Everything I am talking about today is all part of my journey of growth and learning to get to where God is calling me (To my promise).
And I am finally starting to realize its important to enjoy every minute of it!!
-Back in the Garden-
I’m back in my garden again pondering on the seasons, processes and cycles that a garden goes through and what that looks like!
Growing a garden is very much a long never-ending process. The plants are often started in a baby pot, and they are then transferred into another larger pot as they begins to outgrow their current space. Once the plant is ready and strong enough to be planted, it is then transferred and planted into the soil where its roots grow deep, and it can withstand the changes in climate.
Similarly as humans we are forever growing, changing and being re-potted so that we can be strong and withstand the new levels that God wants to take us!
Taking a step back and thinking about the new environments that I have been exposed to in the past year, I am feeling really blessed and excited to fully see where God has positioned and potted me.
I am less focused on what’s next but am more grateful for all things I am about to learn.
I plan to soak up the wisdom that is being poured onto me at this time, to digest all of the teaching that is being given to me, and to glean learning from those who have come before me, learning from their mistakes and successes. If God had not pulled me from being impatient and rushing the process, I would have missed these incredible lessons.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12
The scripture says that patience is a virtue. In certain seasons we may need to ask God for an extra dose of patience, so that we can receive water and food for the person we are continually becoming
In essence, Sometimes we need TO just stop and smell the flowers in our own garden!
-Reflection and Meditation-
The revelations I received from God about growth has amazed me, and I hope it has been insightful for you too.
We are constantly being fed, nurtured, growing and learning new things.
Growing can be painful, it can be uprooting, you may feel uncomfortable, stretched, pulled and pushed.
However as believers in Christ, it is important that we embrace growth, be willing to be renewed and transformed, and that we learn from our mistakes.
Why not take time to sit with Jesus in your garden or quiet space and reflect on this month’s scripture, my blog or your own personal journey.
Ask yourself:
Am I growing well?
Where am I being potted or planted?
What season am I in?
What is God doing in my Life?
What is God Trying to Teach me?
Are there Growing Lessons that I need to Embrace?
Where are the Areas where I need to Practice Patience?
What Areas do I need to Enjoy More?
-Pray-
Pray and be intentional about growing in the fruit of the spirit and ask God for help in areas of:
Love, Joy, Patience, Kindness, Self-control, Gentleness, Generosity, and Faithfulness.
Be stretched, be pulled, be grown and most importantly embrace the process!
-Praise & Worship-
Listen to this amazing worship song: “Isaiah Song”( featuring Chandler Moore by Maverick City Music).
“Sing, sing, oh barren land Water is coming to the thirsty Though you are empty, I am the well Draw from me, I will provide I’m a river in the desert Pouring my spirit on the broken Giving beauty for your ashes Joy for your sadness and mourning Heavens open He’s making ways in the wilderness He’s making rivers in the desert”
Below is a picture of my incomplete creative work that encapsulates the year and is based on two key scriptures; Joshua 3- Crossing the Jordan River the second being John 4-Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman
Comments