Planned Growth

I haven't spent much time in the garden recently, on account of the relentless rain. But I have noticed that some new plants are growing. What is encouraging is that these were plants which I grew from seed last year, and they have survived the ravages of slugs and snails, and may soon produce some flowers. Somehow, that process is very satisfying. The planned growth looks like it might have worked.

St. Paul spent a great deal of time preaching and teaching around areas we would call Greece and Turkey. He went, with others, expecting to see the seed of the Gospel taking root in city after city. Whole communities were affected as individuals and families encountered Jesus. Some questioned which stage in the growth process was the most important. Paul is determined not to take the credit! 

He wrote to his friends in Corinth about this process. ' I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose.' (1 Corinthians 3.6-8)

This wonderful little passage reminds me that we work together as a team of people, all playing our part in helping others to come to trust Christ for themselves. As our 'Everybody Welcome' course has highlighted, everybody has a vital part to play. Our trust in the Lord, who alone can make the seed grow, is what unites us.

What planned growth are you involved in, in the lives of friends in your circle? We have the Hope week coming up, and much else to stir our faith into action.

May many be drawn to trust Jesus in the days ahead.

Best wishes,

Richard