Key Scripture:

“A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:2b

Devotional:

When I first began in ministry, I worked as a worship leader at the church I grew up in. I poured everything I had into that ministry, learning as much as I could about worship, studying the Bible, becoming a better musician, teaching what I learned to others, writing and recording songs and more. I simply knew that God was going to have me there forever and that I was going to continue to grow in my role and do some big things for the kingdom.

But that wasn’t the case.

About six years into my staff role at that church, I heard the Holy Spirit whispering to my heart that it was time to step away. For a year, I ignored that voice. I thought surely that was not the Holy Spirit, but the devil coming to steal all my best laid plans. However, I eventually realized I was wrong. After seven years, I stepped down from my role in that church.

Psalm 92:12-13

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree
     and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

They are planted in the house of the Lord;
     they flourish in the courts of our God.”

I had been planted in that local church for 15 years, and stepping away from it was difficult. However, I was sure God was the One moving me, and that journey brought me to my role here at The Church of Eleven22. Now I’m planted in a new house of the Lord. Here I have found something better than I ever dreamed possible. Not only am I pouring myself out into my role here, I am also being poured into by the people God has put around me. I’m growing, flourishing and being challenged in a completely different, yet incredibly beautiful way.

So what’s the lesson here?

I’m not at all suggesting that you need to leave your church or job.  I want to illustrate that it is the Holy Spirit who leads our lives, who plants and who uproots us where He will. Not only that, He plants and uproots things IN us. For me, He had to uproot in me the idolatry of my plans over His. As the Word says, “Man makes his plans, but the Lord determines his steps.” If you have never done so, I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to lead your life. “If we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Surrender your plans, your dreams, your desires, and your destiny to Him. I promise you, they are safe in the Master Gardener’s hands.

Deepening questions:

• What idols are in your life (things you hold as more important than God’s Will and way)?
• Ask the Holy Spirit – what are you trying to plant or uproot in my life?

Further reading:

John 15:1-2, Proverbs 16:9, Galatians 5:25