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The warmth of the springtime sun awakened life in the garden, causing specks of green to shoot through the dark soil.

In a matter of weeks, healthy flowers would adorn the front garden. Sadly, the vigor of my indoor plants did not match the growth of the outdoor tulips. A Google search provided the solution: my plants needed to be repotted. I also needed to loosen the plant from its soil, scarify the roots, place the plant into fresh soil, and water it well. The repotted plant would grow new roots that could absorb the fresh supply of nutrients in the new soil and would become a healthy plant.

Repotting my indoor plant led me to think about times when God chose to repot me. Moving to a new city turns life upside-down. A firm tap dislodges soil from the once-familiar root ball. Relocation severs old roots. The whole experience feels as if I have been wounded. I turn to His word and listen for His voice—and grow.

Jesus reminds us we have been chosen to go and grow. Sometimes the go means repotting. The scarified roots of my repotted plant must continually seek out the source of water and nutrients in their new soil if the plant is to become healthy. Likewise, we must continually absorb the Word of God and allow the Spirit of God to fill us if we are to mature spiritually.

The going and growing may be uncomfortable, but it produces fruit. Our responsibility isn’t creating the fruit. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain. The context of this verse reminds us going and growing is both directed and sustained by God. Jesus chose us and will bring the fruit He desires. When we allow Him to lead us, we will bear fruit as we abide in Him.

Maybe you doubt God’s plan for your move. Be encouraged that He is in control and will sustain you as you feed on His Word. You can bloom where you are planted.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)