By Minister Madge Obaseki
Kingdom Greetings!
I had a strong unction to share this even though I first wrote it in 2016! The themes are still
relevant and I think apt for such a time as this.
From experience I know many become discouraged when they don't witness progress in a
given amount of time. This piece will hopefully (and prayerfully) put your frustrations into
perspective and show you that each stage is essential.
THE GARDEN GROWS
I like to think of myself as a gardener (if I had any time to do some!). However, I know the
theory of gardening. I want to use my knowledge of gardening to illustrate how some aspects can equate to starting up something new, such as a project which may be out of the norm, status quo, not the familiar path ESPECIALLY when it's God Almighty mandated. Not everyone will understand your purpose. That's alright because if they were meant to understand, they would have been given the vision!
BREAKING NEW GROUND
The point is when you're breaking new ground, you have to use a pickaxe or even a
rotavator machine because a shovel won't do the job. A shovel is not strong enough when the ground is hard. The field you might be trying to break could be brownfield which has never been tended or might be compacted with rubble, or it just may be plain hard!
You need to use the pickaxe or rotavator to go deep and wide to cover the whole area to
turn it over. It takes a lot of effort strength and sacrifice of time and possibly resources
(human and money) as you might have to hire someone to help with the process.
PREPARATION
When the pickaxe has done its job, you might be able to use a spade to turn the soil. The
next stage is to sift the soil for any stones and pebbles. Stones and pebbles can inhibit
seeds from germinating, because they will act like barriers stopping water from reaching the
seed.
If there are weeds, they must be pulled up or poisoned.
Weeds are also obstacles to growth. Weeds sometimes appear as though they are real
plants and some even come complete with flowers and shiny leaves. However, their roots
can strangle potential growth. Some people who come into your path are little like weeds.
They look and sound great, but dig the surface to understand their real intent….
PLANTING STAGE
Before you are ready to plant you might need to enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or
compost to give the plants, you choose a good start.
Now you have done all the preparation you are ready to plant.
Plants usually need watering regularly especially when they are establishing.
In their growing stage some plants may need a good feed with liquid nitrogen or similar.
So is it with a new project, i.e. your mandate from God.
Support and process of growth
At the planting stage, you need good advice and guidance to ensure your project or mission
progresses and grows. Proverbs 15: 22 states' Without consultation, plans are frustrated,
But with many counsellors, they succeed'. I have several mentors for a different aspect of
my ministry and business. I have a strategist who has consistently helped me to envision
areas of my ministry I had not considered initially. Another mentor one who is an
international speaker who was a pastor for 25 years, and thus has been able to advise me
on scaling my ministry. Another who holds me to account, i.e. have I done what I said I was
going to do.
At the planting stage, it is tempting to think there is no traction or movement, but as I
revealed at a training course for leaders a seed does not suddenly appear with roots and
shoots. There are critical stages before you see any signs of growth. Seed
germination starts with imbibition when the seed is planted and takes in water from the soil.
It is this process which triggers root growth to allow the seed to take up more water. At this
stage, the shoots develop and grow towards the sun above ground. After the shoots appear,
leaves eventually form, allowing the plant to harvest energy from the sun. That process can
take a longer or shorter time, depending on the expected plant. So, it is with your project,
business or assignment.
STEPS TO GROWTH
1. You need to get rid of the stones that will be thrown by those who don't 'get your vision'.
2. Fast to ensure the weeds die, ask for the spirit of discernment to identify those who could
throw you off course.
3. Water liberally with prayer
4. Feed yourself with the word of God every day.
5. Let the sunshine in, i.e. God's love and Joy, Peace Patience.
Above all praise God, at all the times for his mercies endureth forever!! AMEN!
About Minster Madge Obaseki:
Minister Madge Obaseki is a Minister, Christian speaker, author and visionary director of growthechurchnow.com.
She has 26 years of experience in ministry and academic research, and she help churches and ministries to identify the reason they might be facing retention challenges.
Minister Madge is known as the Healthy Church Growth Advocate! That is because she eat, sleep and breath challenging issues impacting the Church at large!
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