"Do not despise the first season of growth for anything in your life." ~ Tammy Maltby
I didn't know that onions grew in the dark until I pulled one sprouting greens out of my pantry closet.
My husband shakes his head, watching me lug a big bag of onions from Costco into our home. It seems odd to buy in bulk when we're just two adults, a preschooler and a baby.
Hey, I love stir fry. I throw whole bulbs of this stuff into everything. I'm also pretty sure I've got some Italian in me, because I can't get enough onions into my pasta either.
So, when I first caught a pungent whiff of something smelly from the closet, I realized I hadn't finished off the 10 lbs of red onions in time.
I needed to destroy the evidence.
I held my breath, yanked the sack out of the closet, and ran them down the garbage disposal.
I sprayed Mountain-Spring-scented Oust! to get rid of any odors.
"There! …Hubby will never know."
As I shut the door, one onion rolled out of the sack and escaped to find its home in the corner of my closet.
There it grew, until one day, I wondered why my closet was smelling so bad each time I went to grab a snack.
Way down low, in the back corner where it's dark, something was growing wild and free.
My long forgotten onion had blossomed into a big stinky plant.
I didn't even have to water it.
Misconceptions
Onions aren't the only things that bloom in the dark.
Misconceptions — about what it means to be blessed — can wreak discouragement in our lives.
When we attempt a new direction and step out in faith, we encounter two opposing views: how the world achieves results and the process God uses.
The world uses quantity and level of activity to gauge performance and effectiveness.
There was a time in my life when I bought into this philosophy.
It produced some negative spiritual misconceptions:
1. If I'm useful to God, the results will be productive and successful.
2. If I really trusted God, I wouldn't struggle with doubt or discouragement.
3. I should know what God's plan is for my life, or else I'm wasting time.
4. If I follow God's will for my life, things will always work out and people will always like me.
The overall fear that controlled my thinking was that God would bless me, if I made all the right moves.
I incorrectly believed that God's blessings meant successful results.
In contrast, the Greek word for "bless" in the New Testament is eulogy, which means to "speak well of or to express praise".
True blessing is having confidence that we belong to God and that He favors us — unconditionally.
Four Beautiful Blessings
Misconceptions aren't the only things that grow in the dark.
God is more powerful at creating wonderful, beautiful blessings in the dark as well.
4 Beautiful Blessings
1. Jesus called me to follow Him, not a plan. I am in a loving relationship, not a project.
"Relax, everything's going to be all right;
Rest, everything's coming together;
Open your hearts, love is on the way!" Jude 1:2
2. When I struggle with doubt or discouragement, nothing is wasted. God understands our deepest need for joy.
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." Psalm 126:5
3. God calls me to simply be faithful to the steps He shows me — no matter how random. God determines what grows and what lies fallow.
"This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself , the soil produces grain." Mark 1:26-29
4. Growth is slow and may even start with loss. Do not despise small beginnings.
"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." John 12:24
"Who despises the day of small things?" Zechariah 4:10
The process God primarily uses to produce spiritual fruit is often slower and more invisible than we'd like.
God's Best Work
Maybe you're like me, at the starting point of a new season in life.
Perhaps you're going through a time of planting new seeds and not much appears to be growing.
If you've zeroed in on making new changes — be careful of those onions of discouragement growing in the dark.
If you find one growing wild and crazy, throw it out.
The good news is that someone more powerful knows about our discouragement and can get us through it.
~ God does His best work in the dark.
~ Keep walking forward.
~ He is growing something beautiful that will bless you.
In many cases, you won't believe it could be possible.
Later, you will smile and know.
It's not just onions that grow in the dark.
"Even darkness like this is not too dark for yourather, night is as clear as day,darkness and light are the same."Psalm 139: 11, 12
How is God working a blessing in you?
By Bonnie Gray, The Faith Barista
Leave a Comment
Your post blessed me, encouraged me and pushed me… thank you!
I have *finally* realized that when I surrender to the struggle, it gets easier to overcome. I suppose I had some work to do on my ego, maybe? I thought I was strong enough to get through some things. When I admitted that I wasn’t, that’s when the turning point came. I didn’t have to work so hard anymore. I feel blessed to finally realize that admitting that I am weak makes me strong.
Thank you! On Sunday all 4 of my children will receive their blessings by those who love them. Through their blessings God has worked in me and guided me. I am so grateful for their blessings.
BG
Bonnie this is so good! Great comparisons and a lot of stuff I can relate to. I think I need to put this post into my “Posts to reread as I need them….safe”
{I too have been there buying stuff ..like potatoes..and then only finding an entire bag in the closet growing white stuff all about! HA!}
My Bible verse that I love was given to me on a bookmark from a good friend….
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Lately, with all my hubbies health issues I have been brought back to this verse and others to remind me of God’s strength and plan for all of us.
The Bible Passage that comforts me and is by far my favorite, is the 23rd Psalm. It reminds that no matter where I am in life, God is with me and comforts me and even celebrates with me.
God is working a blessing in me today through your post. Feeling a bit discouraged this morning doing day 4 of my bible study when days 1-3 brought such joy. Then reading your post affirmed that God is watching over me and guiding me. You see I’m still new at this walk with God and Satan can see my progres even if I don’t. Satan is so good at discouraging me and making me believe that I will never get there. But God believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself. He builds me up and reminds me that I can do it. Thank you Bonnie for your post.
The scripture that speaks to me: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Beautifully said. I do get caught up in what the world sees as “success” or “progress,” even though I know God has a direction for me. I love Psalm 91, as it speaks of God’s protection and love.
Psalm 42:1-2 is my heart’s cry.
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
Love this! Thank you. Especially the part about how God’s plan, blessings and steps for us are usually taken at a slower pace then we would desire…..but then, the end result will be bigger than we could have hoped for or imagined. I am living through that right now- not sure where it’s headed, but excited to find out!
Psalm 1:1-3 really has spoken to me as for the last 6 yrs. my life has been on a course that I never wanted to be on. I often wonder how I ever got to this place and how I will ever get out. Many circumstances far beyond my control have brought me here and day by day I seek the strenght to hang on.
Today it is your post that has given me the encouragement I needed, thank you.
Bonnie – this is absolutely captivating. I love how you compared the process of growth to an onion sprouting in the dark. I have two friends I’m sending it to right now to encourage them 🙂
I looked at Jude 1:2 and couldn’t believe it’s a verse. My new memory verse for this week, or maybe for the year! It’s what God has been teaching me this summer… Thank you.
New blessings/seasons. A new school year is about to start both for homeschooled single daughter and for professor husband and I’ve ideas on how to support both (planning to sit in on husband’s class 3-5 on T/Th, bringing him a venti iced coffee and vitamins at the start!) Fear–that I’ll fail, start and then lag or not do as I’ve said–is overcome only by unfailing love (Prov 19:22 was last week’s memory verse!).
This summer God has been showing me how much fear and anxiety I live under, and he is at work to take it away. He also has given me back my heart (after death of mom 3 years ago and big move across country and fire in our neighborhood and the stress of recovery) to trust him and go love with his love.
Small sprouts still, but I hope the plant will produce well for God’s glory. Thank you Bonnie!
WOW- this is so where I am right now~ Thank for sharing your insight, it has refreshed me. SO much!
A big misconception I had was that if I wasn’t doing anything *for* God than I was not in his will.
And he showed me that being in his will is if I have submitted myself to the process. The Journey. Not that his will is the destination (a final product), but that it is when I am in the process (even caring that there might be a final product- caring enough to seek him for a final product). Even if that process calls for a time of doing seemingly nothing. Which is realllly hard for me to do.
Thank you for sharing. I’m right there with you!
Psalm 40:2
“He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.”
This was lovely – thank you for sharing your heart!
Beautiful analogy and so encouraging, Bonnie. I know blessings can grow in the dark and in fact, I’m counting on it. My life is bigger than this moment and God is bigger than my circumstances. How He loves us!
Thank you for this. Wonderful post.
This was just what I needed to read today, thank you!
Beautiful and so true.
I have experienced the growth that occurs in the dark. We all begin there until we accept and submit to Jesus. Afterward, I think he takes us on our journey and sometimes the light he provides may be so bright and revealing we close our eyes because that change he is wanting to make hurts.
My favorite verses are Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
and
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
“All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.
Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.
For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
I tried to look up the following verse:
“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the see sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself , the soil produces grain.” Mark 1:26-29
And I cannot find it. Could you tell me where you got it from?
Thank you!
Thank you thank you thank you. I loved your post. Going to print it out. I need to savor it.
Psalm 139 is my favorite, but in saying that I like to leave God the mystery to show me a new one as often as possible. “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5 Especially resonated with me. Blessings to you and your family.
I have to admit that I’ve had onions and even unused potatoes sprout on me.
I love how you tied that in to things that bloom in the dark. The world’s ways and God’s ways are so different. We walk by faith and not by sight. But it can be discouraging at times when we don’t get to SEE the results we had hoped for.
But I love the blessings of God. Another great post and something to think about Bonnie.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
My Grandad is in the hospital… Lung infection with heart complications. I’ve know for years he could leave soon but it is so much harder when confronted with the reality if it. I grew up with him not my Dad. The doctors say “It can happen anytime.” But I know my God is bigger than them 🙂 So I cry out in prayer and remember Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding
btw you guys rock!!!
Love the article! Gotta keep checking those corners for stinky onions of discontent! Thanks for the reminder.
Bonnie,
Thank you. I feel like I am in the dark center of a storm of life and it is a struggle just to continue to trust that God is there telling me that he is taking care of me. (Which I know he is even if I can’t see it right now.) I do keep walking forward, but it is hard sometimes. Medical bills, still figuring out my husband’s heart condition and how best to treat it, normal bills, dealing with my own stuff, my job, … and so on. Your posts always speak so much to me. My computer is down so I am online hit and miss at the moment.
Thank you so much Bonnie! I truly needed to read this today!! Just yesterday I found a “stinky onion” that has been hanging out unbeknownst to me…I knew I felt God pruning something from my life! Your devotional truly could not have been more timely – Praise God for His Blessings and His prunings!
~God Bless <><
Bonnie, loved this visual picture and it is
one i will NEVER forget. Thank you for all
your posts. They are amazing.
Thank you Bonnie. Just the reminder I needed! Blessings to you!
Philippians 4:13 is my favorite. I can’t say I don’t ever doubt it, but even after doubting, I return to it for strength.
Wow Bonnie, I liked today’s msg…esp the 1st 2 blessings you mentioned…I wanted clarity on Jude1:2….I referred this verse and didn’t find it matching to your reference…which translation do you use? thanks once again..
This is an excellent post and a great lesson! I love how God can teach us so much in the every day experiences.
This was REALLY good, Bonnie!!!!
Jude 1:2 was GREAT. What translation did you use?
Same with Mark 1:26-29?
May God’s sweet grace, peace and rest fill moments in your day (Huge Gentle Smile). ?
HveHope *-:
By the way,
Biblios, ( http://niv.scripturetext.com/mark/4-26.htm ) came up with Mark 4 (26-29):
@HveHope: I used “The Message” translation for Jude 1:2. And yep, NIV was used for Mark 4:26-29. Thanks! 🙂
Thanks Bonnie!
I sure appreciate your quick response. 🙂
Grateful for Him Who ‘established the heavenly lights’,
HveHope -:
God is definitely working on my roots right now, making me strong and giving me a solid foundation. Although it’s painful I am hopeful that this will turn out for His glory! I love that He ALWAYS has the best in mind for us!
Some things just can’t grow without darkness and a lot of patience.
Wonderful, beautiful post.
GOD is so awesome!! Part of my testimony is just like the woman with the issue of blood, I too have suffered with that and I can sit here and tell you I have been healed and set free of that!! I was in the hospital last June and I had to go through yet another D&C and though it did not help in July the LORD spoke to me and I surrendered it all to HIM.
I am now living in freedom and no longer in bondage to what my body may do!!! PTL!!!
WE SERVE AN AWESOME AND AMAZING GOD!!!!
This is so good, and truth we need to regularly remember. I want HIM! Not blessings. Okay, I would like both, but He is my great reward.
@Maryann: Your visit blessed me, Maryann!
@Miel: “the turning point came. I didn’t have to work hard anymore…” It is so freeing when the pressure is off. What a wonderful way to describe the struggle and surrender to let God work on us.
@Myrtle: Praise God for the seeds you’ve planted and others who are blessing them and you! I hope Sunday will be a joyful touchstone in your lives.
@David: It’s amazing how God brings onions and blessings to light. It’s a sign He’s at work.
@Kathy: LOL. Potatoes are my next post, ha, ha! Blessings to you & your husband as God walks you through this season.
@Michelle: Psalm 23rd is a forever prayer. Thanks, Michelle!
@Annette: Prov 3:5-6 is a wonderful addition to this post on trusting God in the dark. Thank you, Annette!
@Holly: The world is never stops trying to imprint it’s messages on us. So, there’s never a shortage of encouragement needed. Thanks for sharing Psalm 91. Great addition, Holly.
@Anjanette: Ps 42:1-2 is beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
@Beth: Thanks for sharing how this is living out in your life! Blessings!
@Michelle: What an amazing friend God’s word is—and how it doesn’t leave us, even when the circumstances are difficult. Thanks for adding this passage.
@Jenny: Thanks for sharing with your friends, Jenny!
@Beth: The Jude 1:2 verse is taken from The Message translation. Thank you for sharing your “small sprouts”.. they sound like very big plants you’re growing in the lives of the most precious people in your lives. You are making the most important impact in God’s eyes.
@Reese: “A big misconception I had was that if I wasn’t doing anything *for* God than I was not in his will…. That process calls for a time of doing seemingly nothing. Which is really hard for me to do.” I agree! It is hard because the world doesn’t see the value, but I’ve found the times I’ve surrendered have been the times I felt most free and valued. So wonderful how God is speaking to you so intimately!
@Traci: Thanks for adding Ps 40:2!
@Casey: Thanks, Casey!
@JasonS: “My life is bigger than this moment and God is bigger than my circumstances. How He loves us!” Yes, yes, yes! Saying yes Lord right with you.
@Houston: Thank you for stopping by, Houston!
@Nikole: Thanks, Nikole!
@Sandy: Wow—all great hits, Sandy! Thank you!
@Tamera: Oh my goodness! What a typo. It is Mark 4:26-29 NASB translation. Thank you for pointing it out, Tamera! It’s now updated.
@Pamela: What a blessing you are! I will take that blessing for me and mine. Thanks, Pamela!
@Debbie: I’m guilty of the sprouting potatoes too! We need a bigger fridge, don’t we? ☺ The world sees, faith believes. Great we can encourage each other!
@Tammy: How is Grandfather now? Thank you for sharing and I am hoping God’s comfort will guide you through this season, and your family, too. You rock! Thanks for sharing, Tammy!
@LisaMarie: Thanks for the company today, Lisa Marie!
@Katie: You are doing through a really difficult situation, without any reprieve right now. I wish it didn’t have to be this way. But, I know God will get you through it. This can’t last forever, even if it feels this way. I’m so sorry this has to be happening. You’re not unseen. May God give you the strength to carry you through.
@Emily: I’m so happy. Now, we both have a stinky onion story and more blessed because of it! 🙂 Thanks, Emily!
@Janelle: Thank you, Janelle! It means so much to me.
@Mari: Thanks, Mari for being an encourager!
@Kelly: There is always room for doubt when we have faith! Thanks, Kelly!
@Liza: Hi Liza – it is The Message translation. Thanks for keeping me company here.
@Kristine: I love how your post reflects your passion for everyday faith. Thanks for being here, Kristine!
@CharissaSteyn: How wonderful you’re seeing this season with eyes of faith. It is painful. I wish there was another way, too. ☺ But, the change it brings will be permanent and real. Thanks for being here!
@Sandra: Now that’s quotable for inspiration and encouragement, Sandra! Thanks!
@Tina: Praise God! Amazing testimony, Tina. Thank you for adding your story to this post about God’s power!
@Laura: I want both, too! I sometimes get spoiled when they come in pairs. It turns out it does happen… just not everyday all the time. Which is where I live the daily life! ☺ I love having you around, Laura!
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