If you live in the southeastern United States, you know how bipolar the weather can be this time of year; it can make you throw your hands up. Recently, after two days of rain, I ventured out to my garden to check on my flowers.
I was excited to see my yellow and purple irises were beginning to bloom. Except for one blossom half open. I tried to lift open the petals for a picture.
Before my fingertips touched the petal I sensed God telling me to wait. Although it is the right season for them to bloom, that particular blossom was not ready to bloom.
As I thought about what God was saying in those moments, tears began to overtake me. Some were happy tears and some sad. I realized like the flower, I am ready to bloom for God’s glory—and likewise—I’m not strong enough to bloom. Everything is perfect in God’s timing (Ecc. 3:11.) I hate it, but I have to wait on God before I can bloom too.
BLOOM?
Most people like when spring flowers bloom, it signals a change in seasons. People don't realize how much is happening in seasons we don’t see any progress. A flower’s life doesn’t begin when we see the pretty blossoms; its beast mode is unseen. It actually begins with the death of a seedling that was planted at some point: months, years and sometimes decades before.
The germination begins with a small seed being planted in the ground. The timeline from seed to plant varies depending on the weather and how much moisture the seed absorbs.
As a nature freak I appreciate all the Bible has to say about nature. Jesus, Who was in the first garden used nature analogies to teach stories to His disciples; the most famous being that of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20.) Faith is seeing things, but not through your eyes.
Most people think this analogy focuses on the size of a mustard seed. But, if you study botany you’ll understand a deeper meaning. Not only do mustard seeds take root fast and grow quickly, they have a way of choking out weeds and other plants.
This trait leans towards another story Jesus told about plants (Matthew 13:31-32). The weeds in the story are the Pharisees who weren’t sold out for God, just His power. They are scattered in with the good crop. Pharisees show off their works.
Jesus told His followers to say their prayers and do their works in secret (Matthew 6:1-4). I’ve never trusted Christians who put their works on display. Of course they waive their Bible in the air. They remind me of these always positive fanatics who don’t believe in the struggle of life. They only want to be somebody great.
THE STRUGGLE?
For those who feel trapped or lost in the moment. What Pharisees fail to realize is struggles, storms and the flames of life aren’t meant to kill us, but to build us up (1 Peter 4:12-13.) Just like pressure makes diamonds, the pressure of the ground helps break down seeds to let the beautiful flower inside break free and stand strong. Like Steve Austin, the bionic man, we have to lose something before we can gain something better.
The 21st century church needs to stop focusing on the blessing and remember our journey is the evidence of faith. If you are not dead yet be brave and glow-in-the-dark. Christian author Mike Foster said it best, “They thought they could bury us, but they didn’t realize we were just seeds.” So when it’s time, just bloom!
I was excited to see my yellow and purple irises were beginning to bloom. Except for one blossom half open. I tried to lift open the petals for a picture.
Before my fingertips touched the petal I sensed God telling me to wait. Although it is the right season for them to bloom, that particular blossom was not ready to bloom.
As I thought about what God was saying in those moments, tears began to overtake me. Some were happy tears and some sad. I realized like the flower, I am ready to bloom for God’s glory—and likewise—I’m not strong enough to bloom. Everything is perfect in God’s timing (Ecc. 3:11.) I hate it, but I have to wait on God before I can bloom too.
BLOOM?
Most people like when spring flowers bloom, it signals a change in seasons. People don't realize how much is happening in seasons we don’t see any progress. A flower’s life doesn’t begin when we see the pretty blossoms; its beast mode is unseen. It actually begins with the death of a seedling that was planted at some point: months, years and sometimes decades before.
The germination begins with a small seed being planted in the ground. The timeline from seed to plant varies depending on the weather and how much moisture the seed absorbs.
As a nature freak I appreciate all the Bible has to say about nature. Jesus, Who was in the first garden used nature analogies to teach stories to His disciples; the most famous being that of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20.) Faith is seeing things, but not through your eyes.
Most people think this analogy focuses on the size of a mustard seed. But, if you study botany you’ll understand a deeper meaning. Not only do mustard seeds take root fast and grow quickly, they have a way of choking out weeds and other plants.
This trait leans towards another story Jesus told about plants (Matthew 13:31-32). The weeds in the story are the Pharisees who weren’t sold out for God, just His power. They are scattered in with the good crop. Pharisees show off their works.
Jesus told His followers to say their prayers and do their works in secret (Matthew 6:1-4). I’ve never trusted Christians who put their works on display. Of course they waive their Bible in the air. They remind me of these always positive fanatics who don’t believe in the struggle of life. They only want to be somebody great.
THE STRUGGLE?
For those who feel trapped or lost in the moment. What Pharisees fail to realize is struggles, storms and the flames of life aren’t meant to kill us, but to build us up (1 Peter 4:12-13.) Just like pressure makes diamonds, the pressure of the ground helps break down seeds to let the beautiful flower inside break free and stand strong. Like Steve Austin, the bionic man, we have to lose something before we can gain something better.
The 21st century church needs to stop focusing on the blessing and remember our journey is the evidence of faith. If you are not dead yet be brave and glow-in-the-dark. Christian author Mike Foster said it best, “They thought they could bury us, but they didn’t realize we were just seeds.” So when it’s time, just bloom!
