Bloom Where You Are Planted

When we think of blooming, we think of spring, and flowers, and beautiful colors…but right now we are in the dead of winter! Do you every feel that way about life? Like you are stuck in the winter, in a cold dreary place…it feels like there is no end to this season in sight? It seems like what we are longing form is just beyond our grasp…the ever-elusive next step in which we will be happy, fulfilled, and living to our full potential.

When God saved us, He gave us gifts and the grace to exercise those gifts to help others and to glorify His name. This is why God puts us through certain experiences. Allow me to read Philippians 4:4-13

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which

all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I can’t tell you the number of conversations I have had with God where I try to explain to Him how much better I would be if He’d change my circumstances. I’m sure I’m not the only one here right…the rhetoric goes something like this…

If I had a bigger house, I could practice hospitality

If my friend was less cranky, I could love her better

If I had more talent, I would serve in my church

If I had the funds to go on a mission trip, I could tell others about You!

If you give me a new job, I’d have a better attitude about going to work.

If I had my way, my life would be perfect …..or would it?

When our lives don’t change, we repeat the same cycles we’ve been stuck in for weeks, months, and even years…we bury ourselves under the covers and continue to beg God for spring….for a fresh start, and for a new beginning.

Ladies, I know it’s difficult to work at the same desk, day after day, go to the same meetings, recycling the same water cooler chat…

Mom’s, I know it is hard making spaghetti for the 3rd time this week because you don’t have an ounce of energy and all you want is a moment of silence and a hot bath!!!

Sisters, I know what it’s like when you barely have 2 nickels to rub together and you are wondering where you’re going to find the money to pay the next bill or to even buy groceries…I’ve been there!!

Following God doesn’t always mean a change of circumstances. Sometimes God is calling you to make a big change in your life…to move to a new city, quit your job, or end a toxic relationship…but other times the only door God opens is the one you’ve been walking through for years and He’s asking you to trust that He’s keeping the other doors closed for a reason.

Sometimes, you’re just being called to bloom where you are planted!!!!! And sometimes that’s harder than new doors, big changes, and fresh starts!

written by Gina Harper

photo credit Gina Harper