I stared at the barren space now overgrown with weeds and grass. My husband planted tomatoes there, but he had died. He was in the arms of Jesus, but I was left with barren ground. The prospect of transforming this weedy space into a fruitful garden felt overwhelming.
In the garage, I found my husband’s tiller, additional fencing, weed cloth, plant food, tomato cages, hoses, a water timer, and bird netting—everything I needed to turn this barren space into a garden—everything I needed to keep the weeds, the birds, and the squirrels away.
But I was missing one thing: the tomato plants. Well, two things. I needed to commit to planting, watering, weeding, and tending the tomatoes as they grew.
Peter tells me this is true of my spiritual garden as well. I have everything needed to bear the Spirit’s fruit in my life. I don’t even have to buy the starter plant. God’s Holy Spirit lives inside me already. God has called me. I need to let His presence grow in my life, plant His Word in my mind, water it with prayer, and weed out my selfish desires. He has given me the tools I need to keep the weeds, birds, and predators away. His divine power has given me everything I need for life and godliness.
I grabbed the tiller and headed to the garden. I had work to do—challenging work that would make my muscles ache. It would take dedicated time when I don’t answer the phone or check my emails. I would need to be patient and wait for God to bring fruit to the plants. But I had everything I needed.
God, through His glory and goodness, calls us (2 Peter 1:3). He gives us everything we need for life and godliness. Join me today in planting His Word and turning the barren spaces in your life into beautiful, fruit-bearing gardens.
Betsy Davies lives in Brentwood, Tennessee, in the home she and her husband shared for thirty years. She grows sugar snaps, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic, basil, figs, and raspberries. Her weekly devotional, The Victory Garden – Gardening Tips for Spiritual Growth, is in its fourth year.