...... but God causes the growth

 

 

Years ago I planted four separate

things in pots of soil.

Two were acorns.  They eventually

grew into two small oak trees,

which I brought with us when we
moved here over five years ago,
and have in tubs in my back garden.

 

I have always loved growing things,

and get quite excited when I see the

first signs of the plants emerging

from the soil.

Another thing I  planted was a fig, that too in a pot of soil, and which gradually grew into a small fig tree.   I  also brought this small tree with us to this house.  I put it into the ground and it has now grown to about three feet high. 

 

The amazing thing is that it has actually produced three figs this year for the first time.

My husband loves figs so I am hoping that these will eventually ripen enough for him to be able to eat them.

 

The fourth thing that I planted was a grape seed.  This plant had always been in a pot outside all through the year, until we came to live here.  Then I put it into the front porch which is like a greenhouse when the sun is out.  

 

About a month ago I put it back outside and I have to say that it appears to be thriving better there than it did indoors. 

Perhaps one day I will get a greenhouse and see how it does in there.

There is something in all of this which really speaks spiritually to me about having humility in the Lord.

 

Although I have thoroughly enjoyed watching these plants grow,  there is no way that I could take any credit regarding the actual growth of the plants.  I know how to place the original seed in the ground, and I can encourage it to grow by watering it, but that is all that I can do.  All credit regarding the growth goes to God.

The same applies to my calling in the church, which I believe is evangelism and, strangely enough, I have to say that just like my grapevine  thrives when outdoors I too love being outside sharing the gospel.  However, I may plant, I may water, but it is God who causes the growth, and all credit and glory can only go to Him.

 

This is emphasized in 1 Corinthians ch. 3 v. 6 and 7  where the apostle Paul says 'I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow.  So neither the one who plants counts for anything, nor the one who waters, but God who causes the growth. '

 

 

 

 'Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.'

 

Ephesians ch. 3 v. 20