From Seeds to Bloom by Rev. Maria Guzman

 

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers, 

In the journey of life, each of us is called to grow spiritually, but sometimes it can feel like the progress is slow or even nonexistent. You might find yourself wondering: When will I see the fruit of my labor? Why does it take so long for growth to appear?

But here’s the truth: growth takes time. Just like a seed that must be buried in the soil, watered, nurtured, and given sunlight, our spiritual growth follows a similar pattern.

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

This verse is a powerful invitation to trust in the process and to embrace God’s perfect timing in our lives.

The Seed of Faith

At the beginning of our spiritual journey, it’s like planting a seed. When we first come to know Christ, the seed of faith is planted deep within us. But just like any seed, it’s not immediately visible. It’s hidden under the surface, where it’s nurtured by the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, we get impatient during this stage. We look around at others and wonder why they seem to be flourishing while we’re still waiting for that breakthrough moment. But growth doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does a deeply rooted faith.

Just like a seed doesn’t immediately sprout and bear fruit, your spiritual growth is often slow and steady. It’s about laying the foundation—spending time in God’s word, in prayer and fasting, and congregating at your local church. These are the nutrients that allow the seed to take root.

The Importance of Patience and Perseverance

If you’ve ever planted a garden, you know that seeds need time to grow. There’s a period of waiting—a season where it seems nothing is happening above the soil, but beneath the surface, roots are forming, and the plant is strengthening.

The same is true of our spiritual growth. There are times when it feels like we’re doing everything right, but the results aren’t yet visible. During these moments, it’s crucial to remember the words of Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Patience is a Fruit of the Spirit that the Holy Spirit cultivates within us as we persevere through the quiet, unseen moments. Trusting in His timing means knowing that He is faithful, even when we don’t see the fruit right away.

Growth Happens in Seasons

Just as a seed goes through seasons of growth, so too does our spiritual life. There are seasons of blooming, when we feel close to God and His presence is evident. But there are also dry seasons, when we struggle, when doubts creep in, and when it feels like God is silent.

It’s in those dry seasons that we learn to trust Him more deeply. It's in those quiet moments when God is working in us, strengthening our roots, and preparing us for the next season of growth. Even in the barren seasons, He’s at work, shaping our character and deepening our faith.

The key is to remain faithful. Stay rooted in Him, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Trust that, at the right time, God will bring about the fruit that He has promised.

The Harvest: Your Spiritual Fruit

The harvest comes—sometimes in ways we least expect, but always in ways that are perfect and timely. Galatians 6:9 promises that at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up. And the harvest will look different for everyone. For some, it might be an answered prayer. For others, it might be an opportunity to serve, a deepened relationship with God, or a stronger sense of peace.

But the harvest is always worth the wait. Think about the joy of seeing the first bloom after tending to a garden through the harsh seasons. It’s a moment of triumph and beauty, a reminder that every moment of patience and perseverance was worth it.

How to Embrace God’s Timing in Our Spiritual Growth

1. Be Consistent in Your Faithfulness: Keep planting seeds by reading your Bible, praying and fasting, and serving others. Even when it seems like nothing is happening, trust that God is at work.

2. Lean Into Patience: Remember that God’s timing is perfect. What may feel like a delay is often a divine pause, preparing you for something greater.

3. Embrace the Process: Spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate the small victories and trust that God is using every season to shape you.

4. Persevere: Keep going, even when it gets hard. You won’t always see the growth right away, but Galatians 6:9 promises that in due time, the harvest will come.

5. Trust in God’s Faithfulness: He has never failed you, and He won’t start now. Trust that, at the right moment, He will bring about the fruit of your labor.

Conclusion: The Beauty of God’s Timing

As a Brave Hearted Stepper, you’re on a courageous journey. And like any great journey, it will have its challenges and waiting periods. But remember that God’s timing is always perfect. He’s working beneath the surface, and your spiritual growth is happening, even when you can’t see it.

So, when you feel weary, when the path seems slow, and when the fruit doesn’t seem to be coming fast enough, take heart. Keep watering those seeds, trusting that your harvest is just around the corner. God’s timing is always worth the wait.

Let’s keep pressing forward in faith, knowing that at the proper time, we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.

Many Blessings,
Rev. Maria Guzman
Founder of Brave Hearted Ministry