Planted Not Buried

Planted, Not Buried: Finding Growth in Life's Difficult Seasons

Have you ever felt like you were buried in difficult circumstances rather than planted for growth? There's a profound difference between the two. When we're buried, we feel smothered, trapped, and hopeless. But when we're planted, we're positioned for growth, even though the process might feel similar at first.

What Does It Mean to Be Planted by God?

In Jeremiah 17:7-8, we find a beautiful promise: "Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

This passage reveals something powerful about being planted by God. When we're properly rooted, we can withstand seasons of heat and drought. We remain fruitful even when everything around us seems to be withering.

But here's the challenge: we often love the idea of being that fruitful tree without embracing the planting process that gets us there.

Why Does the Planting Process Feel So Difficult?

Every plant begins with a seed. An acorn's entire purpose is to produce an oak tree. But a seed that remains unplanted exists in a state of unfulfilled potential. It can never become what it was designed to be unless it's planted in the ground.

The same is true for us. We love the harvest but often dislike the planting process. We want to bypass the journey and go straight from concept to end result without allowing God to take us through the necessary planted journey.

Being planted requires trust because life becomes messy. We're placed in situations that sometimes feel:

• Lonely
• Void of light
• Filled with pressure on every side

This process requires sacrificing our pride, ego, and desire for comfort. As Jesus said in John 12:24, "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

How Does God Use Pressure to Transform Us?

The same environment that feels like death will actually be used to bring forth life. James 1:2-4 encourages us: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

When we're planted, God allows seasons of hardship, trials, and testing because the pressure isn't designed to destroy us—it's designed to refine us. Just as resistance builds muscle during exercise, spiritual resistance builds strength over time.

God is interested in your long-term success much more than your short-term comfort. If He's going to build something through you that will last, He must first establish a strong foundation. The roots must go deep before the tree can stand tall.

How Do We Endure When We Feel Buried?

This requires grit in our faith. We must be willing to endure hardship, knowing we have a God who is absolutely faithful. Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Jesus didn't promise an escape from trouble. In John 16:33, He said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." There's no escape clause, but there is a promise of His presence through it all.

We must learn to toughen up with our faith. When it seems quiet and we question everything, we go back to His Word. If the direction we have doesn't contradict God's Word, we stay the course.

What Happens When We Stay the Course?

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus told His disciples to cross to the other side of the lake. They obeyed, yet encountered a furious storm. They did everything right, but a storm still hit. When they woke Jesus, He calmed the storm and asked, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

After this experience, the disciples asked, "Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey him!" Through the storm, they saw something about Jesus they had never seen before, which added more roots to their faith.

Your storm may seem overwhelming, but as you walk through it, you'll see aspects of God you've never seen before. Every breakthrough strengthens your roots, and you realize God is faithful every time. These testimonies become anchors that no one can shake from you.

What Is the Ultimate Purpose of Being Planted?

The goal isn't just to be planted—it's to produce fruit. Ephesians 2:20 tells us we were created for good works. Matthew 7:20 says we will be known by our fruit.

The power isn't in the dirt, sunlight, or water—it's in what's inside the seed. Romans 8:11 reminds us: "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."

You can be buried in the most difficult situation, but what's inside you—the Holy Spirit—will break free and produce something amazing if you allow Him to work.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to reframe your perspective on difficult circumstances. Instead of seeing yourself as buried, see yourself as planted. Here are some questions to reflect on:

• In what areas of your life do you feel "buried" right now? How might God be using these circumstances to "plant" you for future growth?

• Where have you been seeking shortcuts instead of allowing God to establish deep roots in your life?

• What testimonies of God's faithfulness can you recall from past difficulties that can strengthen your faith today?

• How can you practically demonstrate trust in God's planting process this week, even when it feels uncomfortable?

Remember, blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. If you stay the course and allow God to establish your roots, you will become like that tree planted by water—fruitful in every season, regardless of the circumstances around you.