LEADERSHIP NUGGETS

What Does It Mean?

So what does “bloom where you’re planted” mean? While I can’t speak for all believers who use it, the likeliest meaning is, “Be content where God has placed you in life and make the most of your opportunity.” If that’s what we mean, then we’re close to capturing a biblical principle.

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PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Have a "don't give up" attitude: 

(1)  You can learn to deal with people and learn more about yourself

(2) You can learn new skills

(3)  You can "grow" your character (faith, prayer, patience, compassion, and maturity)

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According to God’s Word, we can be fruitful and blossom. John 15:1-3;5 tells us an eloquent story of the vine and branches. Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful…I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

When we submit our lives to Christ, He prunes us. He removes anything that hinders us from living our lives to the fullest in Him.

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When life throws us lemons, we make lemonade. The Bible tells us a story when Peter, also called Simon was being sifted. “And the Lord said, “’Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren’” Luke 22:31-32.

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God will allow us to go through hard times and tribulations in order to be sifted. Because once we get through the sifting process, the only thing remaining will be the goodness of God in all situations. He allows us to ‘grow’ through it in order to be resilient.

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First, bloom where you are planted. We live in a day of options. There is a church on every corner, and when you find yourself dissatisfied with something, from the music to the preaching or the coffee in the lobby, you have the option to up and leave. But this will never lead to an impactful life. Your roots need time to dig in. Stay! As long as leadership is not contradicting God’s Word, be faithful where you are.

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Second, seek only the platform of a servant. Even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. You don’t need a spotlight to be a minister. So, where do you start? Where no one sees. Serve the people around you in a spirit of humility. There is precious treasure in finding satisfaction in your unseen seasons.

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Thirdly, let your obedience be your advocate. We live in a time where “pitching” ourselves is a thing. Your gift doesn’t need your promotion. Whether it be on social media or politicking those above you to gain opportunity, just don’t do it! When Jesus was on trial to be crucified, He said not a word. He had opportunity to prove Himself, but his obedience to God was more important than proving what He could do. He trusted in the Lord’s sovereignty. You don’t need to prove you are gifted. Allow Him to bring opportunity to you. And remind yourself that He sees. Your obedience is not going unnoticed.

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Lastly, encourage someone else’s gift or support their dream! If you find yourself in a season where you are frustrated and you feel like you are sitting on your gift, make room for others to prosper in theirs. Often, our jealousy gets the better of us. We think, “Well, if I don’t have opportunity, neither should anyone else.” But this is not Christ-like, nor is it a fulfilling place to be. Instead of sitting around pouting, seek out those you can help.

The Lord has not forgotten you; He is merely preparing you to thrive when you arrive at your destination. If you feel stuck and unseen, take heart! The Gift-giver will open the door at the perfect time. And when you step in, you will look like Christ, which is the greatest accolade any of us could ever achieve.

He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6 NKJV).

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We will go through hard times. We will feel as though our lives are buried in the dark. God allows this so we can bloom where we are planted. We can’t choose the cards life has dealt us, but we can learn to play them. In God’s hands, every situation prepares us for the next season of life. Perhaps the best definition of this phrase is this: To bloom where we are planted means to grow, develop, and be pruned in order to develop in hard dirt to reflect the goodness of Christ!