Bloom Where You Are Planted

By Traci Bolden
      Center Director - Stuart

I always look forward to flying, especially when flying alone, because it gives me the opportunity to meet different and interesting people.  You never know who you might encounter.  Sometimes it is hard to begin a conversation with the person sitting beside you, especially when their body language clearly is saying, “Don’t talk to me.”  So breaking down those walls can be a challenge.  If you are like me, typically quiet and reserved, it can be an intimidating obstacle to overcome.  I personally do not believe in coincidences, so trusting that God has purposefully placed that person in the seat right next to me makes it easier.

Each client that comes into Care Net is truly unique.  Yes, their stories may be similar, but they come from all walks of life.  We meet them with open arms.  Sometimes there are walls up that seem impossible to penetrate and attitudes that walked in by themselves, but it is our goal to be able to begin to tear down some of those walls so we can earn permission to speak truth into their lives.  We do not force our faith on anyone, but instead we offer words of encouragement and prayer.  In 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about “the fragrance of Christ.”  We can have that same fragrance wherever we go, as we quietly manifest Jesus’ love.

Here at Care Net, we wholeheartedly believe that each client who is seeking our services, although they may not know it, is a divine appointment.  God creates the opportunity for us to meet their physical and/or emotional needs, but more importantly their spiritual needs as well.  That one encounter may be the only opportunity we get to share the Gospel and we do not take that lightly.  The neat thing about sharing the Gospel is we don’t have to worry about the outcome.  Whether those we introduce to Christ accept Him or reject Him is not up to us, but obedience in sharing is.  There are times we just plant seeds that are watered elsewhere, but oh what a blessing it is to be able to participate.  Deuteronomy 31:8 tells us, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

When we share with our clients what Jesus did for them and the life he wants to offer them, it can change their perspective.  We don’t have to be afraid because we share with confidence knowing that Christ has already gone before us.

So don’t be discouraged.  Never give up.  Bloom where you are planted.  What you do has eternal significance in God’s eyes.