We have lived in our rental for over six months now and while I was sceptical, I have found it very comfortable to live in, with many advantages. Despite the fact we have lived here for a while, there are still lots of things that need to be done, as the owners left a lot to clean up. It was during our tidy up I noticed something odd, a Chilli plant with one very large Chilli growing in what appeared to be a pot-bound container.
As I was looking at this plant, I wondered what I could learn from it. The Chilli appeared to not be bothered by the extreme hot days, nor the wind or rain, or the odd pest, nor even the fact it was in a container too small for it, the plant still thrived! But while somewhat prosperous, it was restricted by the pot it was in, so it was highly likely to grow much more than its current state.
In a way, the lesson of the Chilli serves as an encouragement and a warning. The encouragement comes that God uses us even in adverse conditions, if we let Him take the reins. God's desire is for us not to stay in a "holding pattern", but rather keep in step in our faith. It takes courage to allow God to mould us as He deems best, though it may sound painful, and even more so to still praise Him while He does!
I have debated to re-pot the Chilli just yet, I may wait until the fruit dies off before I make the move. When things die off to make it does make us grow. We also need to remember
not all things are meant to be in our lives. First Corinthians 6:12 says "'All things are permissiable, but not all things are beneficial". We must always be attentive to what the Holy Spirit tells us, and no matter what grow in God for His Kingdom.