Tulips and Prayer
The ground was wet from the night’s rain and the warm autumn air was refreshing. It was a perfect day to plant tulip bulbs. With my grandsons as helpers, we located spots in my yard, dug holes, planted forty bulbs, and as one boy measured, he instructed, “five inches apart.”
When we finished, I told them we had to wait until Spring to see flowers. The bulbs were a colorful mix, so we had no idea which colors would pop up and where. We had to trust that those odd looking bulbs would take root, get nourishment from the soil, and grow into beautiful Spring flowers.
Not to let a “here a little, there a little precept” moment escape, I told them “God will be working underground for months before we see the flowers bloom. We have to wait.” That simplified horticultural explanation satisfied them and I was glad, because there is a lot more going on underground than we think about or I could explain.
Our fun activity reminded me of ongoing prayers that go unanswered-sometimes over years. We plant prayers, often in tears, and don’t see results. But like bulbs underground, God is at work in us, others, and in working toward His plans and results. There’s a lot going on underground, or in our case, behind the scenes. What can we do as we pray, wait, and trust blooms will appear?
- We can take encouragement from James 5:16 (NLT) “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
- Just as I have no idea how a bulb can become a flower, in my prayers I can grow in understanding that God does not operate on my timetable or plans, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.(Isaiah 55:8 NIV)
- I can look expectantly and “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NIV
- When I feel my prayers are like the invisible action of the bulbs in winter, I develop God’s strength and live in His grace as scripture says, “In quietness and in trust shall be your strength..” (Isaiah 30:15 ESV)
- And then as the apostle Paul instructed “Pray continually,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV) and don’t be weary (Galatians 6:9)
[Tweet “Seeing unanswered prayers for years is a difficult place to garden.”]
We plant bulbs of prayer but the seasons pass with no blooms We wish it were as short a time from Fall to Spring as bulbs become flowers- to see prayers answered. But just as we don’t see all that is going on underground with the bulbs, we can be sure God is at work. Perhaps the surprising colors of grace, courage, and strength will will bloom in us as we pray,
How do you find encouragement when seasons pass and you see no changes or prayer is not answered?
The Conversation
As I read along, I could vicariously listen in to the heartwarming conversation you had with your grandsons Ms. Marilyn. What a sweet memory that will be for them in the years to come. I join you in praying that one day, they’ll reflect on that time with you and see the deeper meaning of your words. God’s blessings my friend. And CONGRATULATIONS on your book contract with Our Daily Bread publishing. Woo Hoo!
Thank you JD for your kind words. Yes, the conversation was sweet. I treasure those times, Marilyn
What a wonderful lesson about hope for your grandsons! You are creating a legacy for them.
Someone shared the “here a little, there a little” concept when I was a Mom of toddlers. It has stayed with me for 40 plus years and now I treasure it with grands. marilyn
Marilyn, tulips are my favorite flower. I can’t wait to get home and plant some. I love your phrase, ” Perhaps the surprising colors of grace, courage, and strength will bloom in us as we pray.” Glad you had your helper and you did have the perfect opportunity for a lesson.
Thank you Barbara. Love my helpers and the lessons God gives us in ordinary places. Marilyn
Marilyn, what a beautiful comparison of prayer to tulip bulbs. He’s always working although we can’t always see what He does or when. I especially like this point: “When I feel my prayers are like the invisible action of the bulbs in winter, I develop God’s strength and live in His grace as scripture says, “In quietness and in trust shall be your strength..” (Isaiah 30:15 ESV).” I think I’ll remember that.
Thank you Jeannie. We do rest in knowing He works in ways we don’t know and see. I think that will be one of the great joys of heaven. Mairlyn
I appreciate the idea of a lot going on underground! Enjoyed the post Marilyn. Come plant at my house anytime!
Sylvia, would love to spend some time with you–planting or a cup of tea! I gain God-confidence knowing He is working underground. Marilyn
I want surprising colors of God’s grace to bloom in my heart. Thank you for sharing this.
I agree Katy, and to share that color with others. Thanks for stopping by. Marilyn
You’ve given a beautiful analogy, Marilyn, that encouraged me today. I’m still waiting in faith for blooms to come from some of my prayers even as I enjoy the answers I already see. God is good!
What a precious moment shared with grandsons and when (hopefully) the tulips bloom in the spring, they will remember the joy with you. I love tulips but mine have all been eaten by moles or voles and I haven’t replanted. Your message is a reminder for me to replant. When prayers go unanswered, I pray for God’s patience with my impatience and remember His faithfulness in other areas of my life. I know He has a reason for having me wait.
Great lesson. Thanks for sharing
A Great reminder about forgotten Christian fundamentals.