I often find myself proud, excited and very hopeful for the future with all God has done in my life over the past 9 years.

There are also times of exhaustion, frustration and questioning where the results are of the hard work I’m putting in- in ministry, within my own church, in business, etc..

The last 3 weeks or so, I’ve found myself lamenting over these feelings, and wondering why I still feel like I am “spinning my wheels”.
In my turmoil and overthinking, the good Lord has gently reminded me of what is REALLY happening through 2 of my brothers in Christ.

On our last Great Lakes Band of Brothers Bootcamp leadership meeting, my dear brother Ken Hobbs II reminded us on the importance of perseverance while reminding us about the Chinese bamboo tree.
And then just this past Friday, my “Kingdom connection” brother Jason Scime and I were talking about our desire to see ministry grow, and trying to figure out what’s happening in and around us, and he then reminded me of the Chinese bamboo tree- and he even taught on it in his church!

So, what’s the deal with the bamboo tree?

Well, in the first year after the seed has been planted, there are no visible signs of growth or life.
👉🏻But still, we continue to nurture it.
In the second year, there are no signs of growth or life.
👉🏻But still, we continue to nurture it.
In the third and fourth year, there is still nothing at all.
👉🏻But still, we continue to nurture it.

With each passing year that goes by our patience is tested- we lament. We wonder if and when ANYTHING is going to happen.
During these four long years we wonder if our dedication will ever be rewarded….

But then- a miracle happens!

By the fifth year, we start to witness an INCREDIBLE amount of growth. Within six weeks on the fifth year The Chinese bamboo tree grows a staggering 80 feet tall! 🤩

It’s unreal how much growth the tree goes through to obtain that growth. But the real questions we ask though is:

🎋Did the Chinese bamboo tree truly grow 80 feet within six weeks?
🎋Did it lie dormant for four long years only to have this exponential growth by the fifth year?
🎋Or maybe, just maybe- the tree spent all this time growing underground, developing a powerful root system that was strong enough to support its growth for years to come?!

The answer here is clear, right?

If the Chinese bamboo tree not develop a powerful unseen root system and foundation, it would be impossible for the tree to sustain the life that it grew!

So what’s the takeaway here?

Keep. Moving. Forward.
Keep nurturing all the seeds that YHWH has given you to plant, and have a patient expectation in what you KNOW He can do with them, and with YOU.

God didn’t give you these plans for you to just WISH and DREAM; He gave them to you because they are your PURPOSE, DESTINY and/or MISSION.

So, keep watering. Keep nurturing. Keep your soil healthy. And remember, those that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength!

beMORE #doMORE #inHIM