Quick! How many have heard this phrase:
Bloom where you’re planted.
I heard this heard statement before and it’s about making the most of what you have and being content with your life. Although I could not find the actual verse that bears directly on this statement, 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 suggest the idea of contentment.
Paul had been giving instruction in Chapter 7 regarding marital status. Apparently there was some level of discontent among the believers where there was an inordinate desire to change their state from single to married or from married to single.
Maybe those who were in mixed marriages were envious of those who were in Christian unions. Maybe those who were married wished that they were single so that they could serve the Lord more devotedly. In any case, Paul feels a need to pause and address the wider problem of contentment with your assigned role in life.
What’s the message:
Be content and understand that God is providentially working in their circumstances.
Personally, I believe “Bloom where you are planted” is a good message to follow.
While we may not always choose the path that we are given, we can choose how to respond to that path. You can bloom (be happy and make the most of life). Or you can wither and remain gloomy and sad over things that are not exactly as planned. For this reason, I am grateful God planted me at Mars Hill. I absolutely love the people and the place. Therefore, I choose to bloom where I’m planted.
I love Mars Hill because the worship experience is “off-the-chain.” I love how we worship God at Mars Hill. Our members understand that praise is both seen and heard. So, each Sunday our members embody Psalm 100 and enter “His courts” with thanksgiving, shouts of joy, and pure excitement. At Mars Hill, worship flows freely and our members are encouraged to “be free” when they worship.
Additionally, they understand that “TRUE” praise involves lifting hands (Numbers 7:89), clapping (Psalm 47:1), standing (2 Chronicles 5:12), and sometimes lying prostrate before God (Psalm 95:6; Revelation 19:4). When our members are on ONE accord, the Glory Cloud manifests (2 Chronicles 5:13-14) and the worship experience transcends to another level (It happened again this Sunday). As a result of God’s visitation, I encourage our members to “stay in His presence.”
As long as we’re on Lake St., we’ll bloom there until God says move. And when The Glory Cloud moves, we’ll move.
Question: Are you blooming where you’re planted?
Tell me how…
Pastor, since I was laid off last year, I have been presented with two opportunities to work as an event planner with a large hotel chain and a private company. While, I was still working for someone else, these would have been dream opportunities that I would have jumped on! On paper the offers were very generous. However, I’ve spent the last 5 years speaking on how I didn’t have time to persue entreprenuership in the event planning arena, because I knew how much time I would need to contribute to having my own company, in order for it to be successful. Something within me knew that God had been listening and that he didn’t move me out of one “situation” just so that I would land in another. Now, I have started my own company and while things are not as consistent as when I worked a 9-5, the fruits of my labor are paying off by way of peace of mind, fulfilling one of my passions and God allowing me to experience something that I’ve never experienced before! I am indeed Blooming where I’ve been planted!
Hey Pam,
Thanks for taking time to read & respond to today’s post!
Wow, what an incredible leap of faith you took to pursue the desires of your heart & I’m proud of ya! As you walk in your purpose & bloom where you’re planted, keep God first, build kingdom relationships, honor & nurture relationships, and God will continue to elevate you beyond your wildest dreams.
Keep pushing!!!
Hey Yanni,
You took the words right out of my mouth and I’ve discovered most pastors commit “ministry pornography” by desiring an unrealistic experience” another person’s ministry, church, etc. The seek something that’s way outta their league instead of cultivating the soil where they are. Like you said, “How can you appreciate where you are going until you celebrate and appreciate where you are!”
Thanks for sharing!
For the longest time I’ve wanted to do something involving the encouragement of healthy relationships. I tried it my way for years… Never really committed or was successful at it. It wasn’t until I asked God what it was that he had planned for my passion that everything unfolded.
Now that HE is heading up my business plan it is unfolding into a great success. I’ve written a book and am now working with more churches and other organizations promoting healthy relationships with self and couples.
Hey Yanni,
I’m so excited that you’re walking in your purpose. God’s opening up doors for you and I cant wait to work with you. So, consider this an open invitation and let’s make it happen this year.
I haven’t always chosen the correct path that GOD had chosen for me. Now that I am on the right TRACK I CHOOSE TO BLOOM WHERE HE AS PLANTED ME.
Hey Wanda,
Thanks for taking time to stop buy to read and respond to my blog. Like you, I haven’t always chosen the right path but, my choices gave me experience and made me the person who am today. If it were not for the wrong choices, we wouldn’t be able to make the right choices. Like you, I’m now on the right track and approach each day expecting great things from God.