Learning in the Garden

Nate and I decided to plant our vegetable garden (this year) in large containers on our patio outback. This is definitely a means of rookie gardening for us.A few weeks ago when we transferred our plants from their indoor starter containers into the outdoor ones they weren’t looking too hot. I was like ‘ahh great here we go again killing off another season of veggies’…because when we’ve planted directly into the ground in past years that’s typically how we roll so I was bracing myself that this year’s gardening “experiment” would be no exception. But with my doubt, Nathan reminded me, “just give it time, it has to adjust to new soil.”

…And I think he’s right because over the past week these plants have really began to grow. They look good!It makes me think of someone new to the Christian faith; a life without Christ compared to a seasoned life with, should look dramatically different. Therefore those beginning stages can have kind of an ebb and flow effect as a new believer adjusts and learns fresh ideas, almost like a culture shock.

It’s so important that patience and nurturing be shown to someone who has just welcomed Christ into their lives; those who have followed Him for a longer length of time should come alongside a new follower with encouragement.

Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Just like my vegetable garden has needs in order to thrive, Christ’ followers have similar key elements to understand, trust and utilize so that we can grow in Him—

SPIRITUAL GROWTH ESSENTIALS FOR CHRISTIANS AT ANY SEASON OF THEIR FAITH:

Consistent care: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:19

Protection: “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” —Psalm 5:11

Water: “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” —John 4:14

Sunlight: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” —Psalm 118:105

Good soil: “But the seed falling in good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.” —Matthew 13:23

Ideal temperatures: “A hot tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” —Proverbs 15:18

Nutrients: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faith wellness, gentleness and self-control.” —Galatians 5:22-23a

God fulfills every one of those needs.

When those elements are rooted into a believer’s life, growing happens and spiritual fruit is produced.

In the next few months my garden will be ready to harvest and we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor but it’ll be nothing compared to the Heaven-bound harvest God has in store for those who put their trust in Him.

My faith may need a lot of attention and maintenance (much like my garden) but it’ll be worth it for sure…In the meantime Luke 10:2 reminds me that “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” meaning we as believers (new and seasoned) need to be praying for unbelievers and looking for opportunities to share of God’s goodness because there’s so many who aren’t yet planted in Him.

Take inventory of your own ‘spiritual garden’…Is it growing with life bound to Him? Will it ensure you a part of His harvest in Heaven one day?

***the garden sign is from this month’s DIY project, you can find it here***

A few extra backyard pics:Cherry trees

Baby robins

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

31 thoughts on “Learning in the Garden”

  2. My husband keeps threatening to do a hydroponic garden and I all for the fruit of the labor, but totally not interested in maintaining it and neither is he!! LOL! So we are at a standstill about gardening. Regardless of our standstill, I loved this blog and how it compares replanting to a new journey with the Lord. Awesome!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Cecilia! You’re right gardening is so much work, our faith is a lot of work too but worth it..rather be maintaining my faith garden over a vegetable garden any day though😊❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. I love your yard! I’m glad your garden is doing well this year. I love the spiritual lesson you’ve drawn from how plants take a while to adjust to their new soil. It definitely can be a culture shock coming to Christ out of one’s old ingrained ways of thinking and doing things and into the newness of life.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Long ago (1999ish), in another lifetime, in one of my radio theater productions, I had a song written and produced for the Mary Magdalene character at the garden tomb. The composer wrote a beautiful song that fit the dialogue entitled, “Gardener Of My Soul”. You just reminded me of it. God’s grip – Alan

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Such a great post. When I became a Christian I didn’t have that kind of guidance and I made a lot of mistakes. Even as a seasoned Christian, it’s a great idea to do a soul check. I love the Bible verses that you used to illustrate each point. Thanks for sharing this lovely post! 🌹

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you!! I agree…I was exposed to Christianity growing up BUT no one truly poured into me until my late 20s…makes me realize how important it is to intimately build and encourage others in their faith❤️Thanks for reading Bridget!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. As expected a beautiful post with lots of great insights. Yes, I can say from experience that becoming a new Christian is a culture shock! For many years I beat myself up for not understanding things, but as I look back I realize how much there is to learn, and understanding doesn’t come over night. Even now I still have so much more to learn and am still continuing to grow and mature. It doesn’t end till the journey ends. We all need so much patience.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Love the photos, love the comparison between Gardening and Christianity ✝️ love this post. We just began our kitchen garden, but unfortunately we had to start with seeds, so it’s taking a bit longer. Hopefully the weather cooperates

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes sounds like you’ve had some chilly days your way! …seeds make it seem more rewarding, I love the process of watching seeds sprout and grow!❤️ enjoy that gardening friend, spiritual and vegetable!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  11. You did such a good job with the post, the pictures and the message. You must do one on effective management of so many things at the same time and being efficient too, which I can see you are. Keep it up. May the blessings increase.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. I love that sign! haha! I also love those bunnies. They’re just too adorable!
    Your spiritual growth essentials are so good! Every time I’m planting something I’m going to think of this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. This is so good! Like you, I’ve learned much over the years from my gardening. I love your analogies about our growth and how God supplies all we need. So true! Your home pictures are great!! What a wonderful outdoors you have there to enjoy with your children and animals! Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment