by Desiree Bustamante

God takes tender care of us so we may forever bloom in His kingdom.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

The Lord will guide you continually,
    giving you water when you are dry
    and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
    like an ever-flowing spring.
Isaiah 58:11 New Living Translation

Great gardeners know how to treat their vegetation. Sometimes plants just need some water to help them stay alive and grow, but sometimes they need more aggressive care. In addition to regular watering and adding fertilizer to help them stay alive, they also break up the soil to help water flow to their roots, examine their leaves for disease or mold, and remove any dead flower blooms to encourage the plant to bloom again. Some gardeners even talk to their plants to help stimulate them to grow.

This is what God does as our Creator and Caretaker. He fertilizes us with His word and waters us with His Spirit, so we will produce the best blooms for His kingdom. At times weeds of sin, discouragement and doubt may try to invade our roots, but He steps in and eradicates any dead blooms or diseased leaves lingering in our souls. This may not always seem like a gentle process to us, but it’s necessary to ensure we can produce fruit and become spiritually healthy, able to withstand any temptations, despair or hopeless thoughts Satan may use as attacks on our faith.

God loves you, His creation, dearly. He only wants the very best for your life. He works every day in your heart so you may thrive in a well-watered garden, rooted in Him and blooming with the gifts of His spirit into eternity. Give thanks for His tender care and restoration.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado