I don’t know a whole lot about gardening. The little I do know comes from planting flowers and ground covering in my own yard. That’s about it! We do it for cosmetic reasons. It makes the house seem more inviting. We read the instructions and know where the sun needs to be for certain plants. Certain flowers require more water etc. It’s not too hard. Then there are those people who make a living out of planting. I’m talking garden plants, fruits and vegetables or just about anything they can raise to sell to consumers. These people have to be strategic about their skills. Their very livelihoods depend on getting it right. 

There’s a whole world out there looking to consume something that is going to fuel their empty souls. Fortunately, Jesus is the master Gardener with a master strategy. God, in all of His wisdom, has chosen simple people to grow abundant life in the gardens of their hearts to feed a starving world. How amazing! If you allow the Lord to literally farm the soil of your heart, what He will produce will bless the brokenness of this world. So let’s look at this process and let it bring forth hope. 

Our hearts can be an array of soil types. In some areas, we can be tender while other areas can be complete stone. A good Gardener is going to know what to plant where. They are also going to work with the rocky areas to soften them up making them more fertile. This process may take some tilling from heavy equipment. It could get a little painful but God’s not going to stop until He’s satisfied. He wants us to be fertile. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ (‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ NLT) This is a heart that produces abundant fruit that satisfies the people around them. The Lord desires this for all of us. 

Anyone with plants knows that the weeds naturally come with them. In the same way, we have hearts that are loving and kind towards some people and are unkind to others. This comes from the same heart! And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? (‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭10-11‬ NLT) God is concerned about our true character becoming like Jesus. He treated everyone with truth and love. He didn’t play favorites. We, my friends, have a long way to go. But God in His mercy, will not give up on us. “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.’” (‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬ NLT) He knows what it takes! He’s the Master. 

Our hearts are all producing crops at different speeds and at specific times. God knows exactly how He wants to use the vegetation from your own personal heart. He will put you in specific situations to “feed” others. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭15‬ NIV) Jesus had already been preparing Peter through a series of ups and downs to minister to others. This is what He’s doing in you if you belong to Him. He will get you to where you need to be. He will put you in the crossroads of other people for His sake. The Lord is making the garden of your heart a beautiful place full of richness to reach others. It all starts with fertile ground. 

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.