Last weekend, I was potting my flowers for spring, and I glanced up and saw bright red flowers poking up in the distance. I was in a country setting and thought it might be wildflowers coming up. When I went over, I recognized it as a flower that had been potted last spring that I thought had died during the winter. Well, it sure looked dead to me then but it resurrected to new life! My potted gerber daisies were in full bloom with no soil. All that was left were the roots and a spray of beautiful flowers. I thought about how this little potted plant had endured the cold winter but survived only to become larger having added many more roots as well. Here is a picture of what it looked like when I found it in the woods where I had thrown it.
Reflecting on the resilience of this little plant and the expanse of roots it now had, I recognized that in Christ we are the same way. Perhaps you are going through a dormant season; a season that seems dark, unproductive and maybe feeling worthless. We all go through seasons where we wonder what purpose we serve and why we feel insignificant.
Although you may be walking in what appears to be a fruitless season, when united in Christ, you will produce fruit. It may not appear that way during the winter months of your soul, but praise God spring is coming!
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit– fruit that will last. (John 15:16)
Sometimes we need to go through a period of dormancy where we are not seeing fruit in our lives, but as long as we are connected to Jesus, the Vine, fruit will come. The Holy Spirit sometimes has to lead us to a valley so that we can one day appreciate the view from the mountaintop. That bears repeating.
Valley time, seemingly dark and fruitless, is growing a harvest of fruit. Roots in Christ are growing and Jesus is doing in you what He wants to do through you. He hasn’t forgotten you. He is just growing your roots in Him.
Years ago, after 6 years of ministry and fruit-bearing, I sensed the Lord telling me to pull back; that where He wanted to take me required me to grow in HIm. I shot back with my usual answer when I hear from God and don’t want to believe it is Him.
“Are you talking to me? Or someone else? Lord things are going so well. Look at all the fruit being produced.”
And the Good patient Shepherd whispers in my heart: “Lay down your work and let’s work on you.” Although that season of seemingly fruitlessness did not last long, my heart felt empty. I wanted to be living my dream for Drawing Near Ministry. But during that dormant time, united in Christ, I surrendered my way for His way and handed Him the keys to my heart. There was a transference from my ministry to His ministry. My roots sunk deeper into His love, and God moved in extraordinary ways producing fruit helping women draw near to Him.
Friends, if you are in a dark dormant season, press into the Lord. He is taking you deeper, and you, just like my little flower that seemed to disappear, will one day emerge from this dark place stronger, more beautiful, and more productive than before. It is His promise.
