Are You Planted in the Right Soil??

When I was a teenager, I thought hydrangea bushes were for “old people”. The only bushes I saw were at my aunts’ houses in Skipwith or maybe at a funeral. Because of these reasons, I didn’t really like them. Now, I must be one of those “old people” because I really love them!

When living in Durham, NC, I needed some plants for the back of our house, which was in shade most of the day, so I selected some hydrangea plants. They thrived there and were so beautiful in the pink and blue colors. I currently have 2 plants given to me when Mom died and another given to me for Easter this year (2021). The colors are fascinating as they change from solid white to light pink and vivid pink and then to lavender and blue. Actually I am so excited to see them blooming this year because they had not bloomed at all since I received them in 2019.

As I was admiring them, this scripture came to me:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

How did I go from admiring a hydrangea to this scripture? God did it! Let’s explore some more about becoming a new creature/creation!

First of all, the seed, (God’s Word) has to be planted in us. This could occur by talking with a godly friend, by reading the Word, by prayer, or by Word of God teaching. We may/may not realize it at the time, but the Word is working in our hearts. Then all that has to happen is for God to take over.

Once our hearts begin to change and we accept Jesus, our “old” creation begins leaving us. It is replaced by a “new” creation/creature. Just thinking about that is cause for praising God!! Being changed into a new creation through Him who gave us life! Wow!

The care of a hydrangea reminds me of the care we need to become this new creation:

1. The seed is planted in the right soil - well-draining soil that receives plenty of moisture.

2. The seed/plant needs partial shade (too much will wilt the bush).

3. The seed/plant needs a deep watering weekly.

OK, so let’s compare the hydrangea care to becoming a new creation in Christ! As above, the seed is planted, and God takes over. For continuous care, we match up with the hydrangea as follows:

1. The seed is planted in the right soil. Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures (life-giving teaching), he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (NIV)

2. The seed/plant needs partial shade. God’s protection - Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge”.

3. The seed/plant needs deep watering. These are the Living Waters of God’s Word which will flow over and through us to keep us hydrated in scripture.

Lord, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame.

Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water. Jeremiah 17:13 (NIV)

But it all begins with getting the seed (God’s Word) planted in the right soil! Remember the parable of the sower and the seeds? When the seed fell on “good soil”, it produced. For the hydrangea, the type of soil determines if the plant will bloom as well as the color of the hydrangea blooms. For us as new Christians, the type of soil we are planted in will determine our growth as a faithful believer in Jesus Christ.

Whatever we root/establish ourselves into will determine what kind of “new” creature we become. May we be like the seeds/plants which absorb the “Living Waters” of God’s Word and stay healthy in God.

Thanks for stopping by,

Rachel