“Then God planted a garden in Eden, in the east. He put the Man he had just made in it. God made all kinds of trees grow from the ground, trees beautiful to look at and good to eat… God took the man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order” (Genesis 2:8,15)

God planted the garden. He is the source of all things. God also made the all kinds of trees to grow. Growth comes from Him. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 says: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the centre of this process but God, who makes things grow.” Yet, God placed man in that garden to do two needful things: “to work the ground and keep it in order.” These are two non-destructive or wasteful abilities: to produce and to preserve.

Paul wrote about God’s insight this way: “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you” (2 Corinthians 9:10). God gives the seed, but we have to work on the seed. God also causes the seed to become bread (food), and we have to preserve it (keep it in order).

As we work on our seed dutifully and diligently, may our hearts find rest knowing that God gives growth. “Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word” (Proverbs 16:1). Father, strengthen our minds and hands to work and to keep. Amen.

BeEncouraged❤️ Freely received. Freely share