Gladiolus Bulbs on Mission

Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

I Corinthians 3:7, CSB

About 10 years ago, I planted about 50 or more bulbs of various kinds in a raised bed in our yard.

Many of those bulbs never grew into plants at all. The few that did just produced green stalks. However, about two years ago, we had some trees fall, which let more sunlight into the area. At the same time, we replenished our beds with fresh soil and fertilizer.

This year, I counted 13 blooms from the handful of bulbs that sprouted. And I see these healthy bulbs have multiplied — with baby green stalks popping up in the bed.

I couldn’t help but think of our church’s mission to connect, grow, and multiply.

I saw it among my gladiolus bulbs.

They connected to the rich soil, water, and sunlight — which helped them grow and spread.

That’s how the church operates. We connect to other believers and God’s Word. God grows our faith. Then, we disciple other believers.  

Are you spending time in God’s presence through prayer and worship? Are you being nourished through fellowship with other believers? How are you multiplying God’s kingdom by discipling others?

Stacy Graves