When God Plants Seeds...
This graduation season, I've had the privilege of participating in the celebration of two amazing young women - Jasmine and Da'Shayla. One plans to pursue a career in interior design, the other in law. One had the security of a two-parent household led by a man of faith as her foundation. The other raised by a single mother with the fire of God in her bones and the love of God to fill in the gaps.
Two different histories. Two different paths. But the same could be said of both...
The light of God rests in their eyes. Even in their tender years, you could see the seeds of promise budding in fertile soil. Now, like caterpillars bursting from cocoons, the vision of Heaven and their households for their young lives is manifesting. Resilience and strength from their villages continues to guide them as they break new ground. The word of God has been hidden in their hearts and is ready to flourish when life goes dark.
...The seed is the word of God... the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a good crop. ~Luke 8:11b,15
I see their lives as a lesson on how your environment can impact your destiny.They are climbing higher, ready to make their mark on the world.
But ultimately, it is GOD who will give the increase.
They may get all that they want for graduation, but they certainly have all that they need.
So what do you give the graduate who has it all?
To them (and to us all) I give the greatest gift I could fathom - wisdom from the Word:
How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. ~Psalms 119:9-11
Like food take in the Word of God daily. Let it feed you and guide your decision-making.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalms 42:1
Seeds need watering. Don't let your thirst go unquenched. Nothing else satisfies like that which God considers scared.
Sow righteousness, reap love. It’s time to till the ready earth, it’s time to dig in with God, Until he arrives with righteousness ripe for harvest. ~Hosea 10:12
Don't be so determined to do things your way that you lose sight of God's way. You do not have to walk alone. Seek God first. Listen and lean in when He speaks. Invest quality time in Him and His people. Heaven has planted something great in you. Let LOVE bring it to fruition.
Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. ~Galatians 6:7-8
God has and will surround you with good counsel. Follow their example. Plant your seeds in response to God. Let His spirit do the work you can't, and you will harvest His goodness in your life.
To Jasmine, Da'Shayla, and every person in transition...
The pandemic has turned your graduation into a rite of passage. Jesus is standing at your door knocking, ready to plant seeds in your fertile soil. Make room for Him. Embrace the God of Your Right Now. Get ready for the God of You're Next.
Take Care. Be safe. Look like LOVE.
WRITER | MENTOR | TEACHER
LOVER OF CHOCOLATE
PURPOSED TO EMPOWER
35+ YEARS MINISTRY LEADERSHIP
PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL
Phillipa also the Founder of ilooklikeLOVE, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization providing diaper assistance to families in need and opportunities for mothers to empower themselves.
Look for her upcoming book,
GOD n You: Finding Your Place in Forever.
