Only God Can Make Things Grow

"For one may water, others sow, But only God can make things grow!"

I Corinthians 3:5-9

“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters

is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

 

Only servants saved by grace

May know the Lord and seek His face:

Hear His voice and do their part,

Obey His Word and please His heart:

One may plow and others sow,

But only God can make things grow.

 

Farmers work: do what they can,

That’s all you can expect from man.

To work in stormy winds and rain,

Sometimes in health sometimes in pain;

One may water, others sow,

But only God can make things grow.

 

Who is the one who thinks he’s God?

It really is so very odd

That he should try a harvest make

To play Creator—Big mistake!

One may plow and others sow,

But only God can make things grow.

 

So do a farmer’s work today

Dependent on His time and day:

You’ll see His fields of grain complete

And all will worship at His feet!

For one may water, others sow,

But only God can make things grow!

 

Thoughtful Questions: 

  • What phrase of the poem captures your attention? Why? Spend a few moments reflecting on that phrase.

 

  • Choose two lines from the poem. Write them out. Pray them. Pass them on. Consider who you might send them to as an encouragement—and do it.
  • As we see the many examples of Jesus’s welcome in this study, let’s take this opportunity now to ask God what he might be inviting you to learn about welcome. How do you sense God may be asking you to grow during this season? How might you live out welcome right where you are? Jot down any thoughts that come to you, and then pray over them throughout the study. Notice if any clarity or direction comes to you.