16th June 2025
Willing to yield
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:17-18 (NLT)
This time of year calls me out in the garden with great expectations and plans. I see the work that needs to be done, but I admit, my first reaction is distress at all the work I see ahead. I begin wishing that I could call all that quack grass out with one demand as God must have done at creation as he called all into order to make a new world for us to dwell in. Not that he called all the quack grass out, but he called all to come into order. How much am I willing to do the work in order to experience the results I want? Those flowers that volunteer their presence each year are willing to thrive, to yield. Am I willing to yield? As I get older, it is harder to do the work, but if I am not willing, nothing gets done.
Our header scripture mentions all of those good things I want in my life, such as wisdom, peace, a gentle spirit, mercy and good deeds. Am I willing to do the work so that I may experience them in my life? I am fully aware that without God, none of these things are possible. It is God at work in me by his Spirit that produces the good results. It is God who is willing to do the work; willing to yield. God plants the seed, he waters, and he yields the good things in me by allowing them to grow. It is he that produces a harvest of righteousness as he plants his righteousness within me. Yet I must also yield to God to allow his work in me. I must be willing to grow and become productive. I must respond to God’s guidance, his voice.
As I complained to God about what I have not and am not, he reminded me that I must first make the effort. Afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing, of being rejected, I sit back and do nothing at all. We are all made so different, and we all have our different characteristics, qualities and abilities. My garden is filled with all sorts of different flowers, some I plant, and many are volunteers; they all add a special gift. Together they make a wonderful whole with their colours, shapes, and heights. They must be willing to yield, to complete that picture, add their special gift to make this a reality; willing to grow where planted. I have seen flowers grow and bloom in the most amazing places. They are willing to yield – am I?
Prayer
Merciful God, you only want the good things for us, and we are willing to allow your growth within us, but we admit that fear often gets in the way. Thank you for reminding us that we must allow these changes in us. We must be willing to yield to your kindness and directions if we are to bloom. As you yielded yourself to us, may we yield ourselves to you. We praise you God for your faithfulness to us all. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
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Study by: Anne Gillam About the author: |
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