Leaf It Up To Jesus

Last year, I decided to try and plant a hydrangea. It’s always been my favorite flower, but caring for them can sometimes be tricky. The plant did well through spring & summer, and as cooler temperatures approached, I followed its care instructions and let the blooms fall off naturally. All that was left was twigs sticking up out of the soil. When this year’s spring approached, I wondered if the hydrangea would come back to life. The twigs had no green in them and were dry as can be, so I chalked it up to a loss.  

I took some pruning shears and clipped some of the twigs – only to find out that with hydrangeas, new blooms grow on the old twigs, and you’re not supposed to cut them, even though they look dead. Sure enough, within weeks, the twigs that I hadn’t cut develped bright green blooms on them, and now the plant is lush & healthy.  

Life can sometimes feel like a tangled mess of twigs—dry and lifeless. We might think that all hope is lost, but God is in the business of resurrection, bringing new life where we see only remnants of the past. In John 15:5, Jesus tells us, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” Trusting in Him means believing that even when we feel barren, He’s working behind the scenes, preparing us for a new season of growth. 

When we encounter challenges and feel like we’re just hanging on by a thread, it’s easy to want to cut away the parts of our lives that seem unproductive or painful. But God has a different plan. Those seemingly lifeless twigs are crucial to the plant's renewal, just as our struggles can be the very catalyst for spiritual growth. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” It’s in these tough moments that we can truly lean into our faith, allowing God to work in us and through us. 

It’s a beautiful reminder that God sees potential where we often see defeat. Just as I discovered new leaves and blooms emerging from what appeared to be dead sticks, God sees the beauty in our brokenness. He can turn our mess into a message of hope for others. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we’re told, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Trusting Jesus means allowing Him to cultivate new growth in our hearts, even when we can’t see it immediately. 

So, let’s embrace this journey of faith, knowing that every season serves a purpose. Just like tending to plants requires patience and care, God is nurturing us through His love and grace. When we trust His process, we can rest assured that He’s preparing us for something beautiful. Remember, in Isaiah 43:19, God says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” God brings fresh starts out of the most unexpected places.