It’s spring, y’all. I can’t wipe the grin off my face every time I hear birds chirping, see trees budding, and take a big whiff of that fresh spring air.
There’s always something so welcome about this change of season in particular. Summer brings with it long days filled with sunshine; fall, the changing leaves and crisp air; and winter, the sweetness that surrounds the holiday season. And after we’ve all reached the ends of our rope with cold weather, short days, and cabin fever, spring comes in—breathing new life into the world, and doing the same to our souls.
It’s a fresh start. A new beginning. Even if you’re not big on change, this is a welcome one.
Do you ever feel that way about life? Like you’re stuck in winter, the groundhog saw his shadow, and you’re just positive that there is no end to this season in sight? There always seems to be something we’re reaching after; this ever-elusive next step in which we will be happy, fulfilled, and living to our full potential.
I cannot count the number of conversations I’ve had with God [albeit, some of them have taken place subconsciously] in which I tell Him I’ll be better if He changes my circumstances.
If You gave me a bigger house, I would practice hospitality.
If You make my friend less cranky, I’ll love her better.
If You had made me more talented, I would serve in my church.
If You provide me with the funds to go on a missions trip, I’ll tell people about You.
If You give me a new job, I’ll have a better attitude about going to work.
So, when our lives don’t change, we repeat the same cycles we’ve been stuck in for weeks, months, or even years. We bury ourselves under the covers, and continue to beg God for spring.
It’s hard to invest in old relationships, striving for real community among friends, spouses, and relatives.
It’s hard to sit at the same desk day after day, going to the same meetings, riding the elevator with the same people.
It’s hard to make spaghetti for the third time this week because you don’t have an ounce of energy and all you want to do is have a moment of silence and a hot bath.
But just as Paul encouraged the early Corinthian church, following God doesn’t always mean a change of circumstance. In fact, Paul says, “Each person should remain with God in whatever situation he was called” (1 Corinthians 7:24).
Sometimes God is calling you to make a big change in your life; to move to a new city, quit your job, or end a toxic relationship. But other times the only door God opens is the one you’ve been walking through for years, and He’s asking You to trust that He’s keeping the others closed for a reason.
Sometimes you’re just being called to bloom where you’re planted.
And sometimes that’s harder than new doors, big changes, and fresh starts.
Maybe that looks like choosing to stay in a job where you’re a light in a dark place, even if it may seem easier to quit and work in a different environment.
It could mean finding opportunities to serve and share God’s love in your local community and church rather than waiting for special circumstances to arise.
Or maybe it means choosing to work on a tough relationship—whether it be a friend, family member, or spouse—instead of shutting the person out or giving up on it.
So instead of begging God for better soil, more sunlight, or revolutionary fertilizer, let’s watch Him do amazing things by being faithful right where we are.
What about you? Have you seen God work in your life when you’ve stayed where He planted you?
If you’re interested in digging deeper in this topic, check out the following resources: