Discovering Growth in God's Garden: How Adversity Fertilizes Strength in Jesus
- Troysha Giggans
- Jan 10
- 3 min read
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you are well or just focusing on God. I know how tough things can be and how lonely we can become, but take heart, for Christ is with you- and his presence resides within you. What a powerful and amazing journey I have been on this last year in 2024. Life can often feel like a chaotic storm. When betrayal, loss, and fear strike, it may seem overwhelming. Yet this year also revealed something profound: the growth that emerges from adversity. It’s a journey through God’s garden, where pain acts as a fertilizer, nurturing our strength in Christ.
Reflecting on a dream I had, I sat on a bench in a beautiful burgundy sweater, dark jeans, and boots. My hair was blown out, and laughter filled the air as I talked with someone. I felt a deep sense of wholeness. In that moment, I realized that growth in Christ isn’t a one-time event; it's an ongoing journey. Just as a flower develops from a tiny seed into a full blossom, we too learn and grow through life’s trials.
The Metaphor of Growth
Consider the life of a flower. It begins as a little seed in the ground. With time, water, and sunlight, it breaks through to become a sapling. This isn’t just a one-and-done event. Flowers bloom multiple times, adjusting to their surroundings and renewing themselves each season. Similarly, our faith journey is marked by cycles of growth—a learning process that can lead to significant change.
I faced fears that left me paralyzed, including grappling with the idea of poverty. I didn't grow up having much by American standards I know what it's like to go hungry. God helped me face this fear. He revealed that this was a lack of trust in him and his provision. However, through that fear, I discovered a powerful principle: God empowers us not just to survive but to flourish abundantly. According to TIAA, 42% of U.S. adults say that money negatively impacts their mental health[...] However, I learned that money is merely a tool; the real saving grace is Jesus.
Choosing to Stay with God
Amid the chaos, I made a deliberate choice to stay close to God. Remaining in His garden demands commitment. It's a decision to embrace the life He has for us, even when adversity arises. Like flowers that don’t speak yet respond to the love and care they receive, we, too, must respond to God. We must trust in His plan when life becomes challenging.
I realized that God's work in our lives isn’t always easy to see. Like flowers stretching toward the sun, we must embrace discomfort as part of the growth process. It’s in these trying moments that we uncover not just who we are but who we are meant to be in Christ.
Embracing the Process
Spiritual growth isn’t confined to a single event; it happens repeatedly across various life aspects. The challenges we encounter are opportunities for transformation. Think of a flower that continues to bloom season after season. We, too can flourish through our experiences, learning resilience, strength, and grace.
Nurturing Your Journey
As I reflect on the past year, it’s clear that our trials can provide the fertile ground needed for faith to thrive. Each betrayal, loss, and moment of fear has drawn me closer to God, revealing the strength we can only find through Him. As we navigate through life’s seasons, let’s embrace our role in God’s garden. Adversities are not just hurdles but steps toward growth, guiding us to the abundant life that God has promised.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember you are not alone in your struggles. Embrace the journey, lean into the love of God, and witness how He transforms your pain into something beautiful.
References:
Anderson, T. (2024, February 28). TIAA institute report finds ties between financial stress and mental health | institute. Www.tiaa.org. https://www.tiaa.org/public/institute/about/news/tiaa-institute-report-finds-ties-between-financial-stress-and-mental-health
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