There is a saying that goes “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I remember a relative once saying this to me and I quickly uttered ‘when life gives you lemons, take them, cut them apart, sew the seeds and create a lemon orchard. Then harvest those lemons and make lemonade. Provide them for pies, for taste expansion in drinks, as ingredients in other foods. Create a lasting legacy that comes from sewing and harvesting.’ When I said these words, the Father was speaking to me. Go. Sew. Fertilize. Expect. Watch and marvel at how I, your Heavenly Father, harvest.
I remember when our son, Benton was just a few months old we learned that Megan was pregnant again with our daughter, Malia. I remember the flood of emotions of incredible joy that our family would be growing and feelings of guilt that Benton would be short changed on attention and love because his time as “the only child,” would be short.
Then, when Benton was 14 months old, his beautiful sister, Malia, was born. The guilt of another child was immediately replaced with a heart that had grown. Benton was not diminished. Benton gained parents whose hearts were expanded by their gracious Father in Heaven. Parents capable of loving two children with greater joy, commitment, compassion and gratitude. I learned first-hand the lesson of a multiplying God in a diminishing World. Then, God in his relentless love gave us Kensley three years later and yet again expanded our love-filled hearts beyond what we believed possible.
There is an amazing paradox to living a life surrendered to and filled by Jesus Christ. When we give our lives to Christ, the World tells us we are giving up independence and control when the truth is we are releasing our limitations for the supernatural expansion plans that God intends for our life. He takes the limited heart that is seeking and replaces it with the limitless heart that he created within us to expand the love that is his Son, Jesus.
A single ear of corn produces around 800 kernels that can translate to hundreds of stalks of corn. A single potato will create 3 to 4 pounds, that equates to 10-12 potatoes. If we ingest this corn or potatoes, we are satisfied for a moment. But, if we allow the God of multiplication to use what he planted within us, the implications are generational and exponential. You have the God-given ability to be the seed and/or the fertilizer for every life that crosses your path.
“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT
Your life matters because others need the hope that is your life. Use it wisely. An outwardly focused heart is difficult to restrain. An inwardly focused heart is life limiting and joy defeating. Be radical and love relentlessly. You will disarm the defenses of the enemy and free the life standing in front of you.
You’ve got this!