Growing in the Dirt

I've been watching them for several weeks now. First the cold of winter, then the seemingly endless spring rains we've had. And don't forget those dramatic swings in temperatures from 35 degrees one day to 79 degrees the following day! My rose bushes have seen it all.

The bushes have been loaded with buds. Hundreds of them. The tight buds of each rose is so perfect, so intricate. And while my rose bushes are almost to the size of small trees, I checked out the bottom of each of the stems to see if there was any evidence damage from the weather extremes. Then it hit me: growth happens IN the dirt.

Have you found yourself in the "dirt" of life? Some challenges come and go. Others seem to linger for months or years on end. Hurt from friendships you once thought were solid, emotional turmoil, financial stress, unresolved sin and feeling defeated can all make us feel like we're swimming in the dirt. The hot sun lingers a little too long. The cold snap catch us off guard. The lack of rain leave us parched and wilted. And when it rains, it pours! You wonder if a better day is coming? But the dirt is where the REAL growth happens. It's not above ground. Sure, we all see the beautiful petals on display once the bud opens, but the growth happened in the deepest, darkest place for the flower. It's what you don't see...what's going on in the dirt.... that determines the strength and the color of the bloom.

This is how God often works His miracles in our lives. Some of the most spirit-filled, mature Christians I know are the ones who stayed in the dark places of hurt, mistreatment, addiction, lies, marital problems, betrayal, and everything in between. So much was going on underneath the surface and much of it was unknown to those around them. Yet through seeking God's face, His will and contending in prayer, they grew to glorify God through the mess. They may have some petals missing or a leaf or two out of place, but the growth they endured underground is what gave them a testimony no one can pluck.

1 Chronicles 16:11 says, "Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually."  Isaiah 30:15 goes a step farther: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength."

My friend, Perry Sorey, is a tomato growing expert. Anyone who has ever tasted Perry's tomatoes agrees.  I asked him what is his secret? I was shocked when he told me. It's the dirt he plants his tomatoes in. He uses a mixture of dirt, some fertilizer and even adds manure. (Talk about dirty DIRT!)

Rest assured friend, if you find yourself in the dirt right now when it seems like God is silent, He is going to show out not only to take you into your destiny but to prove to those around you that the Lord is on your side. What He's about to do in your life publicly is not going to leave any doubt. God allows the dirt so you will be spiritually developed. If God doesn't take you OUT of the dirt, He's equipping you to grow while IN the dirt. And what was assigned to take you out and block your blooms will end up blessing you because you've weathered it all while getting a little dirty.

Spiritual growth occurs in the dirt; not in the comfort of a vase on display.

(Barbie will be the guest speaker at the Senior Adult Mothers Day Luncheon in Richland on May 9)