Patience Seeds

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 13:8-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

“Mom, when will people move out of our house?” Anna asked her mother when they were working in the garden one day.

Mom sighed. “I really don’t know, honey. It’s been hard on all of us since your father and I lost our jobs, but I’m so thankful that God has given us a house we can share with others to earn a few extra dollars.”

Anna put down the watering can. “But I really miss having the house to ourselves. I’ve been praying that you would get new jobs and things would go back to normal, but they haven’t.”

Mom put an arm around Anna. “I know it’s hard sometimes, but I guess it’s kind of like the seeds you’re growing right now.”

“My carrots?” Anna asked, confused.

“Well, you didn’t always think they were carrots, did you?” Mom said, poking Anna teasingly.

Anna laughed. “Yeah, I thought I was planting potatoes!”

“And then what happened?” asked Mom.

“Well, I was really frustrated because there only seemed to be grass growing, but you told me to be patient and pray about it. After a few weeks of praying and watering, I was going to give up. So I started digging them up and was surprised to find baby carrots underneath!” Anna sighed deeply. “I kind of see where you’re going with this, Mom.”

“And where is that?” Mom asked.

Anna looked down at her plants. “That even though this may not be exactly what I had in mind, I should trust that God is planting seeds in my life so I’ll grow into the person He wants me to be—carrots and all.”

“Right on!” said Mom. “He’s helping us learn to share His love with others. And remember that Jesus is with us on this journey. We can trust His plan for our lives because He saved us and has given us eternal life. We also have a lot to be thankful for—like being together as a family, keeping our house…”

“… our garden, and all the friends we’ve gotten to share our house with,” Anna said with a smile. “We just have to be patient as He plants seeds to make us grow.” Gabriella Hsu

How About You?

Are you going through something difficult right now? Does it seem like God isn’t answering your prayers? It may be tough to wait for God to work things out according to His plan, but know that He loves you and will use the things you’re facing for good. Keep praying and be patient, and trust Him to be with you in difficult times and use them to help you grow.

Today’s Key Verse:
Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be patient as you grow