I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. – 1 Corinthians 3:6–9
The church of Jesus Christ is formed through seasons of faithful work – planting, watering, tending, and waiting. The apostle Paul reminds us that while different people serve in different ways and at different times, God alone brings the growth. This truth has steadied my own heart many times in ministry, especially in moments of change.
I’ve seen again and again that every prayer offered, every conversation shared, every act of care extended in faith becomes part of what God uses to nurture His people. These seeds are never wasted. They take root in ways we may not immediately recognize, and God continues His work long after a particular season has passed.
Because the church belongs to God, we are free to give thanks for what has been entrusted to us and to trust that He will continue to bring growth according to His wisdom and grace.