Outcomes/Growth

“LORD, you will establish peace for us, for you have also done all our work for us.” Isaiah 25:12 CSB

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” Robert Louis Stevenson

From checking the scale for a long-awaited weight loss to coping with outrageous prices at the grocery store, outcomes are not in my hands. The efforts are. And I can only do what I can today. On one hand, I can envision where I want to go and who I want to be but when that leads to crushing defeat and self-loathing, I’ve got all sorts of trouble. It starts with thinking the outcome depends on me and only me. I forgot to ask the Father, “What do you think? What should I learn from this? Does it line up with your Word?” It could be patience, change course or abandon the plan.

Who causes the growth? According to Paul, he planted and Apollos watered but God caused the growth. So true with parenting, coaching, healing, counseling and teaching! Who’s in charge? Our Father. Who causes our growth and the growth of others? Our Father.

But we get to be a part of the efforts. The seeds we plant today will someday become something wonderful! And the outcome is in the Father’s hands. Have you had a person from long ago tell you they remembered a kindness you did for them? It was a blip on your radar but did not escape the Father’s plan. This happened to me when a young woman who worked for me remembered my patience with her tardiness. Talk about surprise! I just planted a seed, and prayer watered, but the Father caused the growth. When I quit a bad habit, I just quit for today, asked the Father and friends for support and trusted the Father for the rest.

Outcomes are the Father’s specialty. Think of the resurrection—no one saw that coming. Noah’s community made fun of his daily appointment with building an ark. Daniel ate only vegetables but what strength and vision! Joseph was locked up in prison unfairly time and time again before becoming second in command of Egypt. Who was in charge of the outcome? The Father. He was in charge of the growth too. Who planted the maturity and wisdom? Our Father. Isn’t that a relief? Taking care of ourselves is more than a full-time job.

Musings

Goals are good but whenever I’m focused on outcomes, and it’s so easy to fall into, I’ve replaced God with my ego.  It’s like trying to open a rosebud to get the full bloom or hatching an egg before the chick is ready. So disappointing! His will is clear: Be faithful today. The growth is in His hands and in His own time.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We so want it now! But wisdom, success and relationships take commitment, effort, prayer and Your counsel. We will plant the seeds of kindness, faithfulness and love today and hand over the outcome to You with thanks.

Amen.