The Entrepreneur’s Devotional:13 Days to Kingdom Impact預覽

Planted, Not Buried

The Power of Waiting – Rooted for Growth

Scripture: "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…" Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

Kingdom Business Leaders, your journey in the marketplace is much like the growth of the Chinese bamboo tree. For the first few years, the bamboo seems to do very little; there’s no visible growth above the surface. But beneath the earth, the roots are being deeply established, preparing for the time when growth will burst forth.

So it is with your business endeavors. There may be seasons where it feels like your efforts are going unnoticed or that progress is slow. But trust that in those hidden moments, God is working beneath the surface, establishing a strong foundation for what’s to come.

Exponential Growth in Due Time

Like the bamboo, the growth will be exponential. After years of seemingly "silent" development, the bamboo tree can grow up to 80 feet in just a matter of weeks. In the same way, God has placed seeds of potential within you, and at the right time, you will see the fruit of your labor spring forth. Keep working diligently, trusting in God's timing, and know that He is cultivating greatness in you.

God’s plan often unfolds in stages, and it’s in the seasons of waiting and preparation that He is equipping us for greater success. The Chinese bamboo tree teaches us that growth doesn’t always happen in the way we expect. It’s easy to become discouraged in times of apparent stagnation, but true growth takes place in the unseen, foundational moments.

Planted, Not Buried

We may face situations that make us feel like our dreams and aspirations are buried. We may feel like giving up and throwing in the towel, but in moments like these, we must remember that God has a plan for us.

You may feel like you are buried and forgotten. But the truth is, you are planted and growing. We tend to associate burying something with death and decay, but planting something is an act of hope and faith in what is to come.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)

The process of the Chinese bamboo tree is a great illustration of this truth. After planting the seed, the bamboo tree requires daily watering, fertilization, and care, but it doesn't show any visible growth for the first four years. However, once it breaks through the soil, it grows up to 90 feet tall within six weeks.

We may feel like we are putting in a lot of effort and not seeing any results…and as we wait patiently on God's timing, it might seem crazy to keep watering the dirt, but the roots are setting in underneath the surface and preparing to break through. God is working on our behalf, even when we can't see it.

Keep Watering the Dirt

As a Kingdom Business Leader, sometimes it can feel like you're just watering dirt. Day after day, you pour in your efforts, your prayers, your time, and your resources, but nothing seems to be happening. Others may not understand and may even suggest that it's time to give up. They might say, "It’s not working, why bother?" But the truth is, you’re not just watering dirt; you're investing in what’s unseen. Your faithfulness in this season is building the foundation for an abundant future.

Like the Chinese bamboo tree, you may not see immediate results, but beneath the surface, your efforts are forming deep roots. God is working where you cannot yet see—developing your character, strengthening your resolve, and preparing you for the breakthrough ahead. The key in this season is perseverance. Keep watering, keep nurturing, and keep trusting that in God’s perfect timing, He will bring forth a harvest that will exceed what you can imagine.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

This scripture reminds us that perseverance is key. Even when it seems like you’re just watering dirt, don’t lose heart. The harvest is coming, and it will be worth every drop of effort. Keep pressing forward in faith.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us to trust in Your plan for our lives. Even when we feel buried, remind us that we are planted and rooted in You. Help us to remain faithful and patient, knowing that our breakthrough is on the way. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Reflection:

• What areas of your life or business feel like a season of waiting?
• How can you continue to “water” your dreams and aspirations with faith?
• Where have you seen God’s faithfulness in past seasons that encourage you today?

Your season of exponential growth is coming. Stay faithful. Keep watering. God is working beneath the surface!