What type of seed you are? Here’s a clue: Look at your circumstances–you are being tested in the area of your strength.
Springtime is beautiful. Everything breaks forth—flowers blossom, trees bud and dormant brown grass comes back to life like a lush, green carpet, seemingly overnight. You may not realize it, but you’re breaking forth too.This is a time of pressure and testing. Everything God has placed inside you must be revealed.
Think about it. Most of us just can’t look at a seed and know what it will become. But even if we could, seeds aren’t very useful until they go through the growth process. Neither are we. God has planted us in various conditions (trouble, comfort, trials, ease, adversity, abundance, poverty, health, sickness, and on and on) for optimum growth. Ever notice how some flowers require full sun and moist soil, while others need shade and little water? We are no different.
Our mission is to succeed in the soil (circumstances) we have been planted in. It may not seem fair, but God has planted each of us in the right environment. The glory of the cactus is only revealed in the desert. Put the cactus in a rainforest and its strength–the unique ability to retain water–is not needed. You are needed right where you are. Do not move.
Blooming is not easy. It takes effort and we will have resistance. Those planted in poverty must resist bitterness, while those experiencing abundance must resist arrogance. Both are resisting, both will grow to display God’s glory. People experiencing rejection are growing in unconditional love. People dwelling in the midst of anger are becoming the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Do you know what you are becoming? Do you recognize what type of seed you are? Here’s a clue: Look at your circumstances–you are being tested in the area of your strength. Your test is in direct opposition of your destiny. Remember Joseph. His destiny was to be a great leader and save a nation from destruction. Where was he placed? In the pit, then as a slave in Potiphar’s house, then as a prisoner in an Egyptian jail. Joseph bloomed in every circumstance—displaying the characteristics of a wise leader regardless of how he was treated. He never compromised his faith in God or his values. Joseph passed all his tests. He bloomed where he was planted. His wisdom and integrity was rewarded by the Pharaoh of Egypt. (Read Joseph’s journey in Genesis Chapters 37 to 45)
Genesis 41:39-41, King James Version
“And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.”
You can pass your test too. Bloom like Jesus. Follow his example.
Hebrews 12:2, New Living Translation
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”
