“Bloom where you are planted.” This is painted on a sign in my garden…and the weeds are doing a wonderful job of blooming nearby! But today as I looked out at my flower bed, something I had read in a devotional recently went through my mind-
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10
We often find ourselves somewhere we may not have planned to be. We need to remember that God’s will is not always ours and perhaps we are right where He wants us to be! We need to bloom where we are planted too! We need to embrace the changes, the opportunities, the responsibilities. We need to trust and remember God will give us what we need, where we are, when we need it. It’s up to us to not be fearful, but have courage. We might have to wait…and watch…and listen. But God indeed is here!
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,, Do not fear; I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:13
We are God’s hands and feet. We get to share His love with the world. I believe our time is here. The need is urgent for us to share God with the world…again and again…for so many have wandered away, or have not yet heard.
We just had Vacation Bible School this week and we shared Jesus with the children. We also talked about how they could share Jesus with others. We equipped them with songs, Bible verses and examples to go and tell others about Jesus. But what about me? you? We need to share Jesus with our friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors too! We need to bloom where we are – at our workplaces, in our neighborhoods, our city. We need to be examples to those around us of God’s love!
“Be kind and compassionate to one another…” – Ephesians 4:32
My heart is heavy with sad news all around – friends experiencing death in their families, others without jobs, people facing cancer diagnosis, and our country ignoring God’s teachings yet again. We told the children at VBS that just because we believe in Jesus, we won’t be free from hard times, but God will be with us always. That is what helps me through times that are tough. That’s what I hold onto when things are spinning out of control. I know with God, I can press on.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
He is the master gardener! He will help us bloom where we are planted…at the store, the daycare, the factory, the farm…wherever we find ourselves. I encourage you to hold on to God and share all that He has done for you with everyone you encounter! And be sure to come to church Sunday for some encouragement…to help you bloom even more!
