Is 'Grow Where You're Planted' a Biblical Concept?

Grow where you're planted is a phrase often used to encourage believers to move forward with their walk and work for the Lord. The idea of growing where you're planted stems from various Scriptures. Growing where you're planted can mean several things. For starters, it denotes the notion of moving forward internally for change to do the work of the Lord. It also implies that God has work for you to do for Him where He has placed you. It also calls for you to grow where God has placed you to do the work He's set before you. It indicates that you must continue to grow in God's Holy Word and not forget who He is no matter where you are or what position He has given you. There are many examples of people in God's Holy Word who were placed or planted in spaces where they grew in faith, prayer, or service for God. Ruth, Moses, David, and John the Baptist, to name a few. Each of these people faced challenges in places where God placed them and was blessed due to their faith and focus on God. The following Scriptures show us how God wants us to grow where He's placed and what we should do with the growth He's given us.

Jeremiah 1:10 "See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."

2 Peter 1: 5-11 "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Colossians 2: 6-8 "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ."

Psalm 92: 12-15 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, 'The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.'"

How to Grow Where You're Planted

In order to grow, you have to be "watered." Being watered in the human sense means you must be receptive to direction, correction, teachings, and guidance from those God places in your life. Water your mind and spirit with God's Holy Word. Pour your soul out to Him with prayer. Listen to Him as He guides you during this period of growth.

Be receptive of where you've been planted. Seeds are buried in the dirt. You may be at a place in your life where you feel as though you don't belong, or you may be down and out. However, the place where God has planted you is meant for your good. The planter decides where the best soil is for flowers to bloom. With time, patience, and nurturing from the planter (God), the seed/person/you will blossom into beautiful flourishing flowers with a purpose.

Give yourself grace. Wherever God has positioned you has a distinct purpose with specific lessons for you to learn for your growth. It's important for you to know that growth does not happen overnight. It may take days, weeks, years, or decades for you to learn what God wants you to or to do what God wants you to do. Be patient with your growing process and be grateful for the journey.

Learn what God wants you to know. Accept each lesson you learn during this period. Growth is uncomfortable. It is not easy, but it is a necessary part of life.

Remember that you are growing for yourself and others. God does not put you in places to work and grow simply for yourself. You will meet people along the way who will need your help on their journey right where you are.

What to Do with Your Growth

• Work diligently for the Lord where He's placed you. Dedicate your time and talents toward the work God has given you to do in the position you are in.
• Be transparent with your struggles. Growing in any space is not an easy task. It requires time, dedication, and patience and is shared with those who support you. Sharing your journey with those who love you will help you along the way.
• Remain focused on the work God has given you. Being placed in a space by God to do His work is a tremendous blessing. There will be obstacles, distractions, and times when you feel like giving up. Don't. Stay the course and finish the assignment God has given you.
• Work where God has placed you. There are so many places to work in God's Kingdom; however, there are specific places where He places everyone. Wherever God has placed you, be content and diligent until He is ready for you to move somewhere else.

As you continue to grow where God has placed you, remember that He knows what's best for your life. It's also important to understand that God will not put you in a space where He has not prepared you to grow according to His will and the work He has designed for your life. Always remember that growth is uncomfortable, but it is one of the most important aspects of life. It's also important to know and understand that you may or may not see the areas in your life where you need to grow. Everyone is aware of the fact that they need to improve in various areas of their lives. But many times, it's difficult to discover those areas when you are busy living life. Being established in areas where God wants you to be will take you out of your comfort zone for your own good. Even if you believe you don't belong in a particular space or if you believe you aren't qualified to be where God has placed you, understand God knows what He's doing. Growth is hard but necessary. Be receptive to where God has placed you. Ask Him daily how He wants you to grow and what he wants you to learn. It will benefit you and those around you more than you know.

Author Liz Lampkin is an experienced writer, teacher, and speaker. She is an advocate for singles who encourages them to live their best life God’s way. Follow her on Instagram @Liz_Lampkin.