Nourishing Your Soul for Spiritual Growth

Last year, I planted two beautiful Boston ferns in pots on either side of our front door.

They were full, vibrant, and a beautiful welcome to everyone who visited our home.

Throughout the summer, I watered them regularly and gave them just the right amount of sunshine. They flourished.

When winter arrived, I moved them into the garage, hoping they would survive until spring.

I'll be honest—I didn't take very good care of them.

I may have watered them once all winter.

When I finally brought them back outside, they looked tired. Their once lush green leaves had become dull, and many of the stems had turned brown.

So I carefully trimmed away the dead growth, gave them fresh water with a little Epsom salt, placed them back in the sunshine, and began nurturing them again.

As I cared for those ferns, God reminded me how much we're like those plants.

We Need to Be Nourished

A fern doesn't become healthy by accident.

It needs water.

It needs sunlight.

It needs consistent care.

Without those things, it slowly begins to wither.

Our spiritual lives are no different.

If we neglect spending time with the Lord, our hearts begin to feel dry.

We become discouraged more easily.

We lose our joy.

We become distracted by the things of this world instead of focusing on Christ.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord... He is like a tree planted by water... its leaves remain green."
Jeremiah 17:7–8 (ESV)

Just as plants need water to thrive, we need God's Word to nourish our souls.

How We Grow Spiritually

Growing closer to Jesus doesn't happen overnight.

It happens one faithful day at a time.

We grow through:

• Reading God's Word
• Prayer
• Worship
• Fellowship with other believers
• Obeying what God teaches us

These daily habits strengthen our faith and help us become more like Christ.

God Grew Me Into My Purpose

When I accepted Christ in 2000, I didn't understand the importance of spending daily time with Him.

I loved the Lord, but I hadn't yet learned how life-changing a consistent quiet time could be.

Instead, I began serving.

I volunteered in children's ministry because I felt God leading me there, and because it allowed me to serve alongside my children.

What I didn't know was that God was quietly preparing me.

Years later, while teaching a class of three-year-olds, I clearly sensed the Lord saying,

"I am calling you to children's ministry."

That moment changed everything.

I began taking children's ministry classes, earned a certificate, and simply waited for God to open the right door.

About a year and a half later, He did.

Today, serving in children's ministry isn't just something I do—it's one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Looking back, I can see that God was growing me long before I understood His plan.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

God Has a Purpose for You Too

Your calling may look completely different from mine.

God has uniquely gifted every believer.

But one thing is true for all of us:

We'll never fully discover His direction if we aren't spending time with Him.

The more we know Him, the more clearly we'll recognize His voice.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
John 10:27 (ESV)

Stay Rooted in Christ

I've learned that when I skip my quiet time, my day simply doesn't go as well.

I'm more impatient.

More distracted.

Less focused on what truly matters.

Spending time with Jesus doesn't earn His love.

It simply keeps my heart rooted in the One who loves me.

Jesus Himself said:

"Abide in me, and I in you... apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:4–5 (ESV)

Just as my ferns need water and sunlight to flourish, we need God's presence every day.

Where Should You Begin?

If you're new to spending daily time with God, don't overcomplicate it.

Start with a simple prayer.

Read one chapter of the Bible each day.

A Bible reading plan is a wonderful place to begin because it helps you stay consistent.

Little by little, you'll begin to see God transforming your heart.

Final Encouragement

Watching my ferns come back to life reminded me that it's never too late to begin again.

Maybe your relationship with God feels dry right now.

Maybe you've been too busy.

Maybe life has distracted you.

Start today.

Open your Bible.

Spend a few quiet moments with Jesus.

Let Him refresh your soul.

As you remain rooted in Him, you'll discover that He is faithful to grow you, strengthen you, and prepare you for the purpose He has planned all along.

"He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)