Planting Progress

Reading of the Day: Leviticus 19-21

Leviticus 19:25: And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I am the Lord your God.

In these chapters, more of God's principle ways of living are shared with His people. The expectations are high, but that's because we serve a God Who is higher than the heavens! And yet, God has compassion on us every step of the way. We could just "throw in thethe towel" and say it's all too much...but God never sets us up to fail, and He also understands that progress takes time, just like the planting of a seed! This Scripture is the final product of a five-year journey to fruitfulness. First, the tree was planted...but 3 years had to go by before the fruit was considered clean & acceptable to eat! Then, in the fourth year, the fruit was considered holy & praise could be given to God. Finally, the fruit could be eaten in the fifth year & one could reap the benefits of the increase! Just imagine...seeing buds growing, fruit starting to appear, being so tempted to just take it off the tree like Adam & Eve and try it...but God is trying to plant the idea in us that progress takes time, and it's sweetest after the time is fulfilled! Progress is planted, not pushed or forced. There are so many valuable lessons we need to learn along the way, so we can't just skip to the end! This doesn't mean we should be ok with not making any progress either. What we need to do is let The Lord determine the pace! Let Him plant the seed of progress within us, and allow Him to have His hand upon us as that seed is nurtured, watered & grows to maturity. We will get there, don't worry! Those areas we've been struggling in for a while will bear fruit if we don't give up, just don't pluck the fruit before it's ripe! Don't give up before you see the increase! Let's be consistent just a little longer & see what the planted progress will grow to be!