Seeds begin to germinate and sprout as the earth warms in springtime. However, some seeds, like the Giant Sequoia, Lodgepole Pine, Eucalyptus, and others, require the intense heat of a fire for their seeds to pop open where water can enter and allow them to geminate and grow into the plant that was locked in that seed so long ago.

This is true in our spiritual lives as well. God puts various “seeds” of skills and talents and giftings in each of us at birth. Some are developed right away. Some require time and various “conditions” like formal training or a series of experiences to more fully develop. Then there are those that “pop open” and become more evident in the fire of rebirth and salvation. And even more so as we are increasingly filled with the Holy Spirit and yield more and more to His leading. However, I believe that there are some that require even more intense heat. Scripture says…

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

We see trials and persecution of many kinds around the world today…and growing exponentially as these last days before Christ’s return are upon us. When the hard times come, open your heart and spirit to the continual “washing of the Word”. God’s Eternal Word of Truth. Let that Living Water flow into your spirit and soul allowing you to blossom and grow into all that God created you to be…..for such a time as this.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)