Yup, you read that title correctly. That's exactly what we have been doing. Not only for the two (2) tomatoes that we're currently attempting to grow on our back patio, but more towards our knowledge of the Bible. If you're not familiar with the Bible, or if you've just started reading it again, don't feel alone if you're feeling overwhelmed. As the title above states, I've come to appreciate the process of getting things to grow.
Just like our daily watering that is required for those two (2) plants each morning, I've found that the same is required of myself, but with a reading from the Word, rather than water from the spout. Through this daily regiment, I have started to see a lot more of the Bible being opened up to me from God. My spirit seems to be fuller of God's joy! Each chapter that I revisit seems to highlight an interaction, story, or personality of God and His early followers, just a bit more.
Just like watering the tomato plant, our reading of the Bible is only part of the work to grow our spirit. While our part is the practice of showing up every morning and pouring the water into the container for the tomatoes, we still need the sun to share nutrients to the plant. Likewise, while the Bible is a good place to learn of those before us, for me, it still requires the Son to grow that relationship with God. Even with showing up and practicing my studying, I feel half-full. As I read through the Bible, I'm reminded that God sent his Son to allow us a place to release those burdens.
11And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:12that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. Mark 4:11-12 KJV
Giving ourselves to God does not mean that all things amazingly just start coming easy - quite the opposite. If you read through the Bible and see the challenges that believers had, even while Jesus was present in flesh, it was far from easy. However, the challenges did not outweigh the poetic parables that allow Jesus to speak in front of crowds of enemies. Though the ending is confusing to some, it speaks volumes to the sacrifice that God allowed, hoping to gain the hearts of the evilest among them.
An amazing transformation takes place when we look back into prophesy of the Old Testament. A challenge placed on man from God:
12And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. 13And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. Genesis 22:12-13 KJV
What I find interesting here is that God challenged Abraham with what God would require of Himself later. I sometimes get lost in the thought of: "What if Abraham had failed this challenge? Did God show Abraham what He would later have to do, allowing for us to know that God keeps the challenges that overburden us for Himself?" While some of the challenges that I have faced in my life sometimes seem very overburdensome while coming through them, I'm reminded as I read through the Bible that those before me were challenged much more. While that may not be the case for your life, I'm truly grateful for their sacrifice and for sharing their testimonies as foundation for growing my relationship with God.
Though some of those challenges through my life seemed as though they would kill me at times (quite literally at some points), with God, I have overcome them. Though some of them still cripple me when I allow them to consume me, when I curb my focus to God and where I can place those burdens, I feel the weight lifted from me. Some challenges require me to take them directly to God, giving them away, allowing Him to carry them. That daily sacrifice of my flesh (worry, fear, anger, etc.) by carrying those burdens to God, I feel less challenged by the world.
Even for those that are far from religion, most of us know John 3:16, referencing that God has given his only begotten Son for the world, but it is important to finish the next Scripture to understand the "Why" for me.
17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17 KJV
God knew that we would not be able to fulfill the list of rules created in the Old Testament. Daily, we all break these rules, but we have a route of forgiveness that is easily achieved with an open heart.
Jesus came to take the keys to death, so that through Him, we may be saved. Through my study of the Bible, I read confirmation after confirmation that God wants a relationship with you and me. The Bible is a story about love - God's love. Pray for that love to be seen while reading through so that you have those Scriptures close to your heart for when the enemy comes to knock.
If you'll join me, my prayer for this week:
God, please allow me to be enlightened by Your peace. Wash over me with Your calmness and allow me to find Scripture that confirms your work in my life. Allow me to be a reflection of Your light into this world that loves shadows. Share with me Your passion for lifting up those around me, encouraging a love like Yours. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!
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