God Makes Things Grow

One challenge I’ve faced in discipleship is the growth of the people I’m accountable for. I’m feeling the pressure if they appear to be growing outside of God’s garden, and even more so if they decide to stop growing and return to their former life. People in my discipleship group are not my disciples, as Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 3. They are Jesus’ followers—His disciples. Paul reminded the Corinthians that it is only God who can cause things to grow, not the ones who plant or water them. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building (v. 7-9).

Being God’s co-worker in His Kingdom business is a huge responsibility, but it’s also a faith journey. It takes faith to trust that the same God who is purifying, shaping, and strengthening us in our growth is also at work in the lives of those He has called. Let us take our burdens to God and continue our work as Christ’s ambassadors by His grace.