Seasons of Growth, Part 5: Seeds

In my last post, we discussed that the master gardener may leave the plot fallow to allow the soil to rest and be ready to produce a greater harvest in the future. After a fallow season, it’s time to re-plow the soil and plant seeds.

For many of us, 2012 has been quite the year. Without the perspective of time, it may seem that the Master Gardener has had no plan. Instead it seems that, this year, life has rampaged along like some fantastical dragon, twisting and turning, with momentary joys overshadowed by the deadly darkness of doubt, disappointment, dejection, and depression. When month in and month out we are faced with such unpredictability, how do we live without life getting the best of us? In biblical terms, how do we overcome? We overcome by planting the right seeds.

Pansy: seed of strength. Although a “pansy” can refer to a weak, cowardly person, this variety from the violet family is able to thrive in many climates. We planted pansies in our garden in Rhinelander, and to our surprise these flowers came back year after year, even though exposed to extreme temperatures. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Not in our own strength do we get through a topsy-turvy year. You may feel like a weakling and in reality may even be weak—but what a perfect place to have Christ’s strength rest on you. Plant seeds of strength by memorizing God’s truth about His character. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9.)

Sunflower: seed of devotion. The sunflower derives its name because it is always following the sunlight. Jesus is the light of the world. If we walk in the light as He is in the light, then we don’t stumble. We can live in harmony with each other because of Jesus’ cleansing.

Moss: seed of humility. Velvety moss grows in cool, dark, damp, secluded places—unnoticed. If transplanted, it dies. We can plant this seed when we choose to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. As Amy Carmichael wrote, “Make me like the low green moss, cool for His feet.”

Mustard: seed of faith. Every tomorrow can be handled either with anxiety or with faith. Plant the seed of faith and let it take root. Don’t uproot it. Hold on tight to it. Draw near to Jesus by telling Him the wrong things you’ve said and done. The seed of faith grows in this environment. Corrie Ten Boom said, “Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.”

Pear: seed of hope. God’s glory will be realized in our life, whether our path is bright and normal or dark and wearisome. I have been meditating on Romans 5 this year. God has placed us in right standing with Him. We aren’t fighting against Him anymore because of the peace Jesus Christ mediated for us at the cross. For this, we are happy and truly joyful. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And we rejoice in the bad stuff. Because suffering through bad stuff produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope; and hope doesn’t make us ashamed because of God’s unfailing love. In the midst of pain, plant the seed of hope in your heart. Plant the hope that God is up to something good and glorious for the sake of His Name.

Heliotrope: seed of love. The fragrant, tropical heliotrope releases is beautiful fragrance in the warmth of the sun. When life gets crazy, just stop yourself. Embrace Jesus in that moment and His love will sing over you and His peace will guard you.

by Heather Soukup, Director of Women’s Ministries
photo credit

Seasons of Growth Series:

Part 1: Seasons of Growth
Part 2: Fruit Bearing
Part 3: Harvest
Part 4: Fallow
Part 5: Seeds
Part 6: Placement
Part 7: Unless We Suffer