Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
We thought our lemongrass wouldn’t make it (see the brown stems in the upper-right portion), as the colour indicates it is nearly dying.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is easy to grow in the tropical Philippines. Its lemon-like scent makes it a good herb for cooking and medicine.
Growing plants on New Zealand’s South Island is challenging due to the four seasons. They cannot survive the winter without a greenhouse, so we plant them in pots and bring them indoors when the cold season arrives.
Our lemongrass has remained in this condition since July 2024 (see the image above).
However, we continued caring for it even if only a few brown stems existed. We watered and fertilised the soil regularly. We never gave up caring for the plant.
A few days ago, I noticed the green stem (on the left) breaking through. Our lemongrass is alive and growing. Thank you, Lord!
Our lemongrass’s revival is an excellent illustration of Galatians 6:9 and our work for the Lord.
Sometimes we think nothing is happening, but we must not give up on the good things we do, because the results will eventually manifest.
As with the lemongrass, we saw wilted brown leaves, but we could not tell whether the roots were still alive and growing.
Our regular gardening care relies on root health rather than visible signs. Ultimately, a new leaf has appeared, indicating that our lemongrass is thriving.
Nearly two years later (24 April 2026), our lemongrass is thriving and has provided us with leaves and stalks for cooking since we planted it in our greenhouse.
The struggles of our humble lemongrass inspire us in our faith journey. Often, we can’t see immediate results, but we shouldn’t give up.
Writing on the theme of doing good to all, the Apostle Paul begins Galatians 6 with a verse on restoring people.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should gently restore that person. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted (Galatians 6:1).
I learned that restoration cannot be rushed or pushed. It is all under God’s terms and in God’s time.
According to Galatians 6:1-10, the process of restoration and revival encompasses a range of actions and qualities that are crucial to healing and renewal.
- Restore gently (Galatians 6:1)
- Watch yourselves (Galatians 6:1)
- Carry each other’s burden (Galatians 6:2)
- Think genuinely or truthfully about yourself (Galatians 6:3)
- Test your actions (Galatians 6:4)
- Carry your load (Galatians 6:5)
- Share good things (Galatians 6:6)
- Be sincere, for God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7-8)
- Do not give up doing good (Galatians 6:9)
- Do good to all (Galatians 6:10)
Let us never tire of doing good despite not seeing results because, in the proper time, we will reap the harvest if we don’t give up.
To God be the glory!
At times nature seems insignificant to us. But actually it’s God’s way of reminding us that He is there. It’s about renewal; and the changing of our minds. When we accepted Jesus we are transformed! Beneath the cruel and punishing bite of winter, all seems dead; but the roots are alive under the soil, where there is warmth, and even in the dead of winter the roots continue to grow only to burst in a magnificent bloom in Spring. We all have Seasons in our lives. It is God’s love that allows us to buckle and bloom as those season changes. Thank you Pastor Jonan for this little inspirational piece.
Wonderful reminders for God’s people especially this present generation.
Thanks Pastor Jonan
Glory to God