“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3, NLT
A seed doesn’t just need water in order to grow; it needs the right amount of water, soil, sunlight, and love. A seed doesn’t get to choose its own soil, the gardener does. When it comes to church membership, you are the seed and the Lord is the Gardener. You must be planted somewhere in order to grow and blossom. You don’t get to choose where you are planted, God does. He chooses the right environment that is perfect for you and your family.
You don’t just need good preaching or a great kids program. You need an environment that’s perfect for your optimum growth and spiritual development. God is the Gardener and where He plants you, you will prosper. Where He plants you, you will be challenged. Where He plants you, you will grow and spread your wings to soar. That place will bring out the best in you and you will in turn give your best back to it.
Are you growing? Are you blossoming? Are you soaring? Are you being challenged? Is your life producing visible results? If not, ask yourself if whether you have been planted by God or if you have chosen your own soil. When you plant yourself, you develop weeds and your life doesn’t produce much. Pray for God to plant you and you will begin to grow and blossom for the glory of God.
Prayer: Father, I pray you direct me to the church that is the right environment for me and my family. I want to give my all in serving your people and learn more about you. Lead me and guide me to where you want me to be planted. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
