God Gives the Growth
Scripture:
“The one who plants and the one who waters are nothing, but only God who gives the growth.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:7
When We Forget Who Makes Things Grow
It’s easy to get caught up in comparison.
Who preached the best sermon?
Who led the biggest group?
Who brought someone to Christ?
But Paul reminds us of a simple, humbling truth: it’s not about us.
Yes, we each have roles to play. We plant seeds of truth. We water with encouragement and prayer. But no matter how faithful, passionate, or skilled we are, only God can bring life. Only God can change hearts, open eyes, and cause true spiritual growth.
This truth is both humbling and freeing:
- Humbling, because we have no reason to boast.
- Freeing, because the results are in God’s hands—not ours.
The Garden Lesson
One spring, a young boy and his grandfather planted a garden together. They dug the soil, sowed the seeds, and watered the ground every day.
The boy waited eagerly. He was sure their hard work would bring instant results.
But days passed—then weeks—and nothing seemed to change. Frustrated, he said,
“Grandpa, we worked so hard! Why isn’t anything growing?”
His grandfather smiled and said,
“We’ve done our part. But it’s not our hands that make things grow. God works in the soil, in the seed, and in time. Growth comes when He says so.”
The boy learned a truth that every believer needs to remember: God gives the growth.
Faithful in Our Part
Whether your service is seen or unseen—teaching, praying, visiting, giving, or simply showing kindness—your faithfulness matters.
But the fruit belongs to God.
We are called to plant, to water, to love, and to trust. God alone brings the harvest.
And when it comes, He alone gets the glory.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the privilege of planting and watering in Your kingdom.
Remind me that it’s not about my skill or success—it’s about Your power and purpose.
Teach me to serve with humility and to trust You with the results.
You bring the growth. You get the glory.
Amen.