Don't Let The Worms Win

Earlier this spring, I started growing a tomato plant. I was so excited for that first sandwich with Duke’s and a homegrown tomato! I was careful to water it daily, prune it regularly and it looked like it was thriving. It had plenty of leaves and even started producing little green tomatoes. But, life happened. I got busy & carried away with other things and stopped carefully caring for the plant. The little green tomatoes continued to sprout, but they never grew to full size or ripened. Instead, they stayed small and green, and when I looked closely, I noticed bite marks. Turns out, hornworms had been eating them — big, camouflaged pests that blended right into the plant. I hadn’t seen them because I wasn’t checking on the plant daily, and I definitely wasn’t watering it like I should’ve been. The plant looked alive, but it wasn’t healthy — and it couldn’t produce the fruit that it was meant to. 

Our relationship with Jesus is a lot like that tomato plant. When we’re not nurturing it daily through prayer and reading His Word, we might still look okay on the outside, but things can start falling apart inside. Sin blends in just like those hornworms. It hides in our habits, our thoughts, our unchecked attitudes — and without daily time with Jesus, we don’t even realize it’s eating away at us. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active...it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” God’s Word is like the light that helps us see what’s really going on. 

Prayer and Scripture aren’t just spiritual chores — they’re how we stay connected to the One who gives life. Jesus said in John 15:4, “Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” Just like my tomato plant needed water and attention every day, our hearts need regular time with Jesus to grow, stay strong, and produce fruit that lasts. 

If you’ve felt dry lately or noticed some “bite marks” in your spirit, maybe it’s time to check in with the Gardener. He’s not waiting to shame you — He’s ready to restore you, water you with truth, and help you grow again. Let’s not let the worms win. Stay close to Jesus, and watch what He’ll do.