Flourish: Living a Fruitful Lifeਨਮੂਨਾ

DAY 5 / The Weather – Trusting God with the Growth

How often do you check the weather forecast? Weekly? Daily? More? Why are we so obsessed with the weather? Perhaps because it is one of the few things over which we have no control, but are all affected by. We may not be able to dictate the weather, but by anticipating what’s coming, we can do our best to prepare for it. (Unless, of course, our predictions turn out to be wrong.)

Of the many professions out there, farmers are among those most affected by weather conditions. The success or failure of their crops, and thus their livelihood and financial security, can be highly affected by this force over which they have no control. Nonetheless, they continue to prepare their soil, plant their seeds, and trust this uncontrollable force to help bring about favourable conditions that will feed and grow their crops.

The sovereignty of God refers to the aspect of His nature where God has all power and authority over all things. This is a quality which only God possesses. When it comes to flourishing in our lives, we can only do our part and then wait and trust God with the rest. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”

If we were uncertain about God’s thoughts towards us, the idea of God’s sovereignty might make us anxious in our seasons of waiting. But because we know How deeply He loves us, how relentlessly He pursues us, we can rest in His sovereignty. In Luke 12:25-28, Jesus comforts us with the reminder that if God takes care of the flowers, He will even more so take care of us.

Charles Spurgeon said, “When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.”

There will always be factors out of our control that can make or break the fruitfulness of our efforts. This can either leave us feeling doubtful and vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances, or it can be a catalyst for the patience, faith, surrender, and peace that comes when we are dependent on the only One who controls all things, our good Father.

Reflection:

Where do you sense God inviting you to trade control for trust? How does leaning into His sovereignty and love help you with this?