Have you ever tried growing something, only to watch it struggle despite your best efforts? My own gardening misadventure involved a tomato plant on my apartment balcony. It was an eager little thing, sprouting bright yellow flowers that promised juicy tomatoes. But those flowers would bloom, raise my hopes, and then just wilt. It finally dawned on me: the plant wasn't getting enough sunlight.
This little gardening episode reminds me so much of our spiritual journey. Jesus spoke about this in John 15:5, saying, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." It's a vivid picture of what we need to thrive spiritually. Just like my tomato plant needed sunlight, we need a steady connection with Jesus to grow.
I've had moments feeling stagnant, wondering why I wasn't flourishing. Often, it came down to how much time I was spending with God. Was I really basking in His presence or just lounging in the shade?
Let's challenge ourselves to find more of that Son-light ' diving into prayer, listening for His voice, and exploring His Word. It's the surest way to bloom where we're planted.