I Called Him Alone, and Blessed
God plants us in the nursery of life, allowing us to grow in clusters, but eventually calls us to be transplanted into situations where we must trust in Him and develop our faith.
A.B. Simpson illustrates the spiritual growth process through the metaphor of rice cultivation in the Orient, emphasizing that just as rice plants must be transplanted to thrive, believers are called by God to step out of their comfort zones and rely on His grace. This transition often involves facing significant responsibilities that compel us to lean on God's limitless resources. Simpson highlights the importance of trusting in the Lord, as those who do will flourish like trees planted by water, drawing strength and sustenance from Him. The sermon encourages believers to embrace the challenges of growth and transformation in their faith journey.
Text
Raising rice in the Orient is a beautiful process. The rice is sown on a morass of mud and water ploughed up by great buffaloes. After a few weeks the pale green shoots spring up, appearing above the water. The seed has been sown very thickly and the plants are clustered together in great numbers. The farmer can pull up a score in a single handful. At that point the shoots are ready for transplanting. So God first plants us and lets us grow very close to some of His children. We may be in great clusters in the nursery or the hothouse. But when we reach a certain stage we must be transplanted or come to nothing.
God calls us out by His Spirit and Providence into situations where we have to lean directly on Him.
He puts upon us a weight of responsibility so great that we are thrown upon the limitless resources of His grace and have an opportunity to develop. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
Sermon Outline
- God's Plan for Growth
- The Time for Transplanting
- Trust in the Lord
- A Tree Planted by the Waters
- Developing Faith
Key Quotes
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” — A.B. Simpson
“For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river (Jeremiah 17:7-8).” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Recognize God's role in your life and seek to deepen your roots in Him through prayer, worship, and obedience.
- Be willing to take on new responsibilities and challenges, trusting that God will provide for you and help you grow in your faith.
- Cultivate a spirit of trust in God, knowing that He is your hope and your strength in times of need.