The wrinkly white sheet was hanging as the projector portrayed the picture on our DIY “movie screen”.
Month one has come to an end.
It was our final movie night on the mountain. We all decided we were going to watch “Pitch Perfect” …because what other movie would 20 girls decide to watch?
In our minds, we were pretending to be at the movie theaters. We were ready to kick back, laugh, and enjoy our movie.
But before the movie started, God wanted to talk to me.
Earlier that day, we asked Vicki and Rueben (our ministry hosts) if they would share their story – how HOPE ministry started, what trials they encountered along the way, and how God has worked in their lives.
The crickets were chirping and the cool Lajas wind blew through the pavilion as we sat and listened to their journey unfold.
We were captivated by the trials they went through and the mountains they faced.
It took them several of years to get to where they are now. It wasn’t easy. But they obeyed His voice through the ups and the downs.
Blown away by their testimony – Vicki shared something I will never forget.
With excitement in her voice, she shared a story about a seed.
She explained…
“It was a hot day in Lajas. My father in law was outside gardening. I walked up to him with seeds in my hand. These were seeds I wanted him to plant for me. I kindly asked if he would consider planting these seeds as he worked on the garden that day. His response was not what I expected.”
Her Father in law replied, “I can’t plant those seeds, they have to be dead first.”
Vicki continued on with her story and told us how his response, in that moment, changed her life forever. It hit her like a ton of bricks.
If you want to grow, you must die first.
In order to plant a seed and produce fruit, the seed must be dead. It’s that simple.
You can’t put a fresh mango seed in the ground expecting a luscious mango tree to grow.
The seed has to be dead before you plant it. Then, the tree will grow, become firmly rooted, bringing forth an abundance of fruit.
There are things in life that we hold on to. Things that need to die. Things that we need to let go of. Things that no longer need to be alive in us. Things that are holding us back from producing fruit.
We can’t expect growth if we have not died to ourselves.
Selfishness, anger, pride, insecurities, bitterness, comparison, etc.
We have to let go of these things.
There are several seeds in my life that need to die in order for me to grow.
I want to grow and produce fruit. Fruit that I can share with others. I want to bring life to those who need it.
Vicki’s passion encouraged me. She had to let go and leave many comforts in order to grow. It took strength, perseverance, and obedience.
I am so happy my movie night was interrupted by God. Inspired by Vicki’s story about the seed, and thankful for the fruit she has shared.
What seeds do you need to kill?
Are you ready to grow?
k | k
