Caring for the Garden

Caring for the Garden

  Genesis 2:15 “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

             The Creator put man, made in His image, in a perfect place. And He instructed man to take care of it. But, man failed to obey, allowing sin to enter into this perfect place. The man and woman were exiled from the Garden of Eden. The doubt that entered their minds forever separated them from a physical relationship with God. But because of God’s love for what He had created, He continued to have a spiritual relationship with them. They were righteously punished for their disobedience, but God did not abandon them. As it is written in Joshua 1:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

             Today, believers are in charge of a different kind of garden. The garden of souls, not only their own souls but also those of the non-believer. The believer uses the bible, if you will, as a plow, to break up the hardness in their hearts so that the word that is planted in them has soft ground in which to grow. We also use the word as we interact with others, showing them the love of Jesus in us. Believers must be honest and confess, to those around them, that they too stumble and fall, but the love Jesus has for those He created, and His shed blood, cover their sins. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”  Ephesians 1:7 & 8. Through their lives, actions and words, the believer is breaking up the hard hearts of the people they come in contact with. Using the Word as a tool to then plant the seed of hope and peace and joy in the hearts of a fallen world.

             Reading the word, daily, we are greatly encouraged to tell others what the Lord has done for us. How our lives have been changed. How the peace of Jesus Christ has enabled us to endure the storms and heart break in our lives. How the Holy Spirit has strengthened us, and blessed us. And we tell others that that is what the Lord wants for them, no matter the circumstances or thoughts they may have otherwise. Again, this may mean that we must gently tend to the garden and possibly replant numerous times. But our knowledge that God walks with us enables us to carry on. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40: 31.

            Now we have to be honest, how many times has Jesus planted seeds in our hearts, only to have it land on the path? Or the rocky soul? Or among the thistles? How often did He have to replant the seed before it landed on the good ground? God NEVER GIVES UP SOWING SEEDS. So, likewise, we too must never give up planting the seeds in the hearts of the non-believers in our lives. 2 Peter 3:9 says The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God is giving us the patience and perseverance to endure, we must continue to plant the seed, because our understanding of the word tells us that God will work, but it is in His time. 2 Peter 3:9 needs to spur us on, not wanting anyone to perish, enabling us to sow even more seeds. “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5: 7 & 8.

           So, continue to plant. Continue to pray. Continue to wait patiently for the Lord. For when the harvest comes, the first fruits of that harvest will be the hearts of the new believers. God will take the first fruits and it will be “a pleasant aroma” to Him. And we will know that He will say to us, “well done good and faithful servant.” Just like Adam, we have a garden to tend to, let’s do it with all the strength that the Lord will give us. Praising Him daily, knowing that souls will be saved, hearts mended and minds focused on Jesus Christ!