It’s amazing how many references are made about plants in the bible and for good reason, too— we are so much like them. We all biologically begin as a small seed in our mother’s wombs and miraculously grow from seed to infant. Also, just like plants, we go through seasons, we must be pruned, our days are numbered, and we were beautifully created by God himself. There are three things that a plant must absolutely have to grow in order to survive. A plant must have sunlight, precipitation/water source, and time. Spiritually, I like to think we need the same. Let me explain.
1. SUNLIGHT
When I think of spiritual sunlight, it makes me think of Numbers 6:25 which says, “may Yahweh make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.” According to the commentary from the Study Bible for Women the expression of God shining and turning his face towards us is the favor of the Lord. It shows that he pays keen attention to his children and cares deeply for them. The beautiful thing about this first need is that plants don’t have to do anything drastic to obtain this sunshine. All a plant has to do to absorb the sun’s rays is just be in position of the light source. Metaphorically, we don’t have to earn a place or position with God for Him to shine favor on us. Being here on earth and being created by God is enough. His grace through Jesus Christ has afforded you this love. Knowing that God’s love is unfailing is a great first step towards spiritual growth.
“Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” Psalm 31:16
2. PRECIPITATION
Precipitation is any type of water source that a plant may use. This could be rain, underground water, or being watered by a watering can. As you know, this is necessary for the growth of a plant—even the smallest sprout. Spiritually, the Word of God is the water source we need to bud and flourish. Take a look at these versus:
Isaiah 55:10-11
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Reading the word of God is vital to your spiritual growth. You cannot grow without it. As a matter of fact, when you read God’s word, you have no choice but to grow because his word cannot return to Him empty! God has the rain (no matter how inconvenient it may be to us some days) purposefully working in the earth. So is His Word working in you when you meditate on it.
Ephesians 5:25-27
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
God also uses His word to cleanse you and wash you. The Word is also a water-like reflection. It not only lovingly shows you areas that need tending, but it also shows you how God sees you: flawless. When Jesus came and rescued us, he took on all our blemishes and traded with us his radiance, righteousness, and glory.
3. TIME
No seed becomes what it will be overnight. We would deem any farmer crazy for believing that what he sowed would produce a harvest in one week, let alone 24 hours. So, why do we believe this when it comes to our spiritual growth? Some believers become discouraged when they see or feel little progress in their growth. Please, know that growing your relationship with God, learning scripture, and allowing the Word to transform you takes time. In your initial alone time with God, you may not feel butterflies or gain any grand revelations like you envisioned, but all God wants is to spend time with you. Like a small seed, you too, need time to develop. Don’t stop doing the things needed in order to grow.
So, now it is time for you to turn over a new leaf! Make like a tree and “leaf” all your doubts and worries about spiritual growth before God (too “punny” I know 😊 I had to do it). I hope you remember these three things as you begin and continue in your journey with the Lord.
Original post date: 01/28/2020
Edited: 08/27/2024
