"So then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth." I Corinthians 3:7
I was reminded of this verse as I picked some of the first vegetables from our garden (and, knowing my novice gardening skills...they may be some of the last!:)). The sweet peas tasted fantastic...but I couldn't help but stand amazed at their growth...from a bud to something edible and great tasting! No matter how hard I might try...I will never be able to produce fruit or vegetables. I can water, fertilize, pull weeds and seek to create an environment that is conducive for growth but I CANNOT make things grow!!! It is an amazing act of God.
So it is with our kiddos, too. I was talking to a girlfriend last week and, in the course of our conversation, shared with her something my mom had said to me many years ago when I was in tears over the rebellion and disobedience of a then, very young, Micah. She said, "Kristin, God does not call you to produce fruit in your son's life. That is HIS job. He simply calls you to be faithful."
I will never forget her words of wisdom. It took a load off of my shoulders and pointed me straight back to the one Who could give me the strength to be faithful while keeping me completely dependent on Him as I continued to seek to "create the right environment" of training my son to live his little life to the glory of God.
And that is still my job right now! I am not to question God's methods and the instruction in His Word on how to train my kids...but I am to faithfully uphold and live out those truths with my kids, EVEN WHEN I DON'T SEE THE FRUIT! Why? Because I know God to be true to His Word...and over and over again He promises fruit, He promises blessing, He promises that He is at work...it just may not be in MY timing. So, in the end, it is never about God's plan not working or Him being unfaithful...it is that I am full of impatience and doubt His beautiful plan!
Would you join me in being FAITHFUL and waiting patiently and expectantly on the Lord? And then would you join me in celebrating with GREAT JOY when He gives us glimpses of sweet, wonderful fruit in the lives of our kids?!!!
"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Galatians 6:9
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PS 84:10 -12
10 For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Last night we went to a promotion night for our Christian homeschool group. After one of the kids talked about how they loved the Lord up front...Holly looked at me and said," I think they are a believer!!, God encouraged my heart with that.