Blooming Where We’re Planted – When It’s Dark

The crocus and daffodil plants from my last post were buried in snow on Saturday. Lots of snow. I hope this doesn’t prevent them from blooming!

Those plants were completely covered and in the dark. It got me thinking about us. Sometimes we find ourselves in the dark. Sometimes we feel completely buried and it’s beyond our control. We didn’t do anything to cause it, but that’s where we are, nonetheless. We question and seek understanding, as it’s beyond our control. Will blooming ever happen? Will we ever see the light again?

 

“Sometimes when you’re in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but actually you’ve been planted.”  –Christine Caine

Could it be you’ve been planted?

My friend, Rhonda, shared this timely quote with me on our Saturday snow day. It’s one I can relate to.

A number of years ago I found myself in a dark place. I had just walked away from a job that I loved but in which I could no longer function. It was not only a job, it was my calling. This job had affected every part of me, and God transformed my life through this calling. In leaving, I found myself feeling alone, uncomfortable, and in the darkest of dark for months.

But, I knew God had called me away, so I wasn’t second-guessing. But, I floundered for a time. I was in a fog with no purpose or plan. I drew near to God, and as I did, I turned to my writing. God used this gift to heal me, to grow me, and to point me in the direction He had for me to go. I soon found that dark place was exactly where God was preparing me to bloom again in another way… to bloom in my writing.

God had planted me to bloom in a different way.

I needed that time in the dark for roots to grow and for preparation. It was a time that was necessary for the next step in this journey.

Friend, what dark place are you in right now? Could God be preparing you for something, for your next step in your journey? Could it be you’ve been planted? For His glory and for others’ good? You know, before blooms appear a time of planting is necessary.

Friend, get ready to bloom.

It may be dark now, but your day is coming. This dark place won’t last for much longer. Draw near to God. Allow Him to prepare you for the next phase in His blooming. He’s not finished with you yet. Oh, goodness no.

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

You can trust God in this. He has you.

I can’t wait to see what plans He has for you. Your time of being planted will bring forth beautiful blooms!

In the meantime I’ll keep you posted on my crocuses and daffodils.

Blessings in blooming!