Grateful for the Growth We Can't See

Growth is a mysterious thing. In tonight's prayer and devotional, reflect on the fact that sometimes growth is visible — like a garden bursting with color. Other times, it’s invisible — hidden beneath the soil, quiet and unseen. Amber Ginter reflects on her grandparents’ garden and how tending it taught her a profound truth about faith: we can plant and water, but only God can make things grow. Amber remembers long days of helping her grandparents in their garden — planting, watering, fertilizing, and weeding. The process was constant and demanding. Yet, despite their hard work, growth didn’t come from their hands alone. It came from God’s. The same is true in our lives. We work, we pray, we show up — but there are seasons when we can’t see the fruit of our faithfulness. The ground seems quiet. The weeds seem endless. The storms seem stronger than what we planted. And in those moments, it’s easy to wonder if it’s all worth it. But Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Even when progress feels invisible, God is cultivating something deep within us. He’s strengthening our roots, shaping our hearts, and preparing a harvest we can’t yet see. Amber reminds us that gratitude in these hidden seasons keeps our faith alive. When we thank God for the unseen growth — for the work He’s doing beneath the surface — we’re expressing trust in His timing and His purpose. Even when we feel weary, He is faithful. The weeds, the waiting, and the watering all have meaning in His hands. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”— 1 Corinthians 3:7 (NIV) MAIN TAKEAWAYS Growth is often invisible before it’s visible — trust God’s timing. We can plant and water faithfully, but only God brings the increase. Gratitude in hidden seasons strengthens our faith and keeps us from giving up. Perseverance produces fruit in God’s perfect season — not ours. Every unseen act of faithfulness matters in God’s eternal story. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES 1 Corinthians 3:7 Galatians 6:9 Romans 8:28 Philippians 1:6 YOUR EVENING PRAYER Dear God,When the weeds and chaos of life threaten to overwhelm me, remind me that You are still working. Help me to find strength and peace in Your promise that all things work together for good. Even when I can’t see the fruit of my faith, teach me to trust that You’re growing something beautiful beneath the surface. Strengthen me when I’m tempted to give up, and fill me with gratitude for the unseen work You’re doing in me.In Jesus’ name, Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON Read Galatians 6:9 and journal about a time when God produced growth in your life after a season of hardship. Reflect on nature’s growth cycle. Visit a garden, field, or pumpkin patch and consider how something so small can yield abundant fruit. Let it remind you that God is growing something in you, too. Write a prayer of thanksgiving for the hidden work God is doing. Be honest about your fears and doubts, but thank Him in faith for the growth you can’t yet see. CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in Scripture and hope. Visit LifeAudio.com for more devotionals and podcasts to strengthen your faith. Share this reflection with someone who feels discouraged — remind them that God is still working, even when the growth is unseen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.