“Don’t assume nothing is growing. While you are planting seeds, he is growing you. Let’s not forget that we are fields, not just farmers. Deep spiritual growth is happening under the surface. A seedling will burst forth. In his will . . . his way . . . his timing.”- Jennifer Dukes Lee
“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.”- Galatians 6:9 (MSG)
In Chapter 6 (“You are Not Falling Behind”) of Growing Slow, Jennifer Dukes Lee offers an important insight about your pace of growth. No set milestones exist!
Therefore, don’t feel like you want to give up because your growth fails to match the progress of others. God sees your progress and knows you’re making a difference. For the harvest comes in its time. You’re not falling behind. Think the tortoise and the hare. So, Jennifer exhorts:
“Look around you. There is growth in your fields, inching heavenward, not with brute force, but by the will of the Divine Farmer who makes all things beautiful in their time.”
Above all, Jennifer stresses, Growing Slow centers on living at peace with God’s timing. For example, in the book of Acts Jesus presented Himself bodily to His followers. After He offered instructions, He ascended into heaven. Essentially, the followers asked one question as they gazed at the empty sky: When?
Hence, Jennifer adds:
“I know what it feels like to stand under a wide-open sky and wonder if God’s promises will unfold – or if I even heard him correctly. We all ask it. When is it my turn? Jesus answers clearly, ‘You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business.’ ”
Finally, don’t forget that God’s with you in your time of slow and imperceptible growth. As a result, when you see that growth, take time to offer a prayer of thanks. And hold that gently bursting forth of an everyday miracle close to your heart.
Today’s question: What helps you hope that a seedling will burst forth? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The enemy of beauty = hurry, quicker not better”
