By: Juliet Constantine

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18)
 

Water restriction is on in all parts of my beautiful island. We are instructed not to water plants, grass or even wash the car as we could be prosecuted. Now this is a bit scary. With limited water as it is, the plants aren’t getting enough liquid; resulting in droopy plants and brown grass. One of my banana plants already ‘gave up the ghost’ and others may follow soon. They just aren’t getting enough water. For the economic spin off, blighted and water thirst ground produce are fetching huge prices in our markets. Everyone is feeling the effects in what can be classified as the hottest summer ever!

As I looked over the plants in my garden, I am reminded that living things grow. But growth can only be sustained when all the variables are correct. Without proper soil, adequate water, care and attention, some plants will die. It’s the same with us as Christians.

In one of Jesus’ teachings, it was explained that seeds sown in good soil will grow. He was speaking in parable to bring home the meaning of His truth to His listeners. While growth may not occur in all soil types, with proper care and attention, growth will be realized in good soil. Just as water is necessary for the continued growth of many physical plants, so is the word of God to thirsty, dying souls.

As a Christian, if you think that you are ‘dying’, just get back to the word of God. By allowing the Holy Spirit to penetrate your heart as He teaches God’s words, you will live again. With daily Bible study and prayer, spiritual growth will recur; and you will get stronger every day.

Just as I know that water restrictions is a yearly occurrence during the hot summer, and the resulting effects; it’s the same way we know that lack of daily Bible study and prayer will slow our spiritual growth. And when growth is absent, we will die.

Irrespective of the water restriction, would you not wash your car for the entire period? Would you really allow your beautiful flowers and herbs to die? Whether or not you are facing a spiritual restriction of God’s words, do not allow yourself to die. Christians in the middle ages didn’t. They ‘ate’ the word of God at every opportunity they got. In-spite-of the restriction of their time, God’s words was more precious than physical food. Let’s not wait for such a restriction to affect us. But let us begin now to feed our souls that we may grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When the restriction comes, we will be strong enough to stand. The word of God in our hearts will continue to produce growth. Whatever is happening in your life, do not allow yourself to die spiritually.

Dear Father in Heaven, holy is Your name. Thank You for the assurance that Your Holy Spirit is available to teach us and guide us in Your truth; therefore, we have the required help to remain alive spiritually. Please help us to do our part in reaching out to You through prayer and study of Your word. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – At His Feet” Daily Devotional)