Life Lessons, Pt. 9: Learning to Wait

I am so excited! Last night I harvested my first zucchini. It wasn't hard work; I just gave a slight tug, and it broke off of the plant. I'm still trying to decide what to do with it. How do you tithe on your vegetable garden? It is gratifying to see the fruit of your labor ready for your table.

I planted, I watered, and then I waited. Nothing else was required of me – so similar to the Kingdom of God. Sometimes we (particularly ministers) grow discouraged when we don't see growth and blossoms. Some even begin to wonder if you should till the whole thing up and start over again, but the entire time, God is at work. Within what you have planted, He has structured the plant's DNA to know its rate of growth, when it will blossom, and how long it will take fruit to come forth. It has very little to do with us; we are just co-gardeners with God, doing what He has asked of us.

Interestingly, each fruit has its timetable. There is no one set time for harvest, and with some vegetables, if you harvest them correctly, they will continue to bear fruit that can be harvested over several months.

My question today is, what is it that you have planted and watered that you are still waiting to come to fruition? What are you speaking life into? Be patient. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which has been planted." This time is a set occasion designed by God, and He lovingly placed this timetable inside of you.

Like all of you, I, too, await. While we wait for the timing of the Lord, we must faithfully water it with His Word and be patient, knowing that in due season we will reap – if we don't faint. Choose within yourself that you will be resilient and keep watch over the garden you are growing. Allow God to have His way in you, and in His time, something extraordinary is going to begin to bloom in you!

Let's Pray:

Father, I don't know why I have worried when I can't make anything grow faster than it does. Forgive me for not waiting patiently for Your timing. You are the One who brings forth the harvest. Holy Spirit, please help me develop the patience to see all that has been planted of You come to maturity in my life. In Jesus' Name, amen.