March 13: Water What God Planted

Water What God Planted 

Sharon Campbell-Danvers 
Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church 

Key Text: 1 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV): “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

Our lives and leadership journeys remind us that we are stewards of God’s vineyard, not the owners of the harvest. There are seasons when God calls us to plant, seasons when we are assigned to water, and seasons when others will reap the fruit of what was started before them.

In my own experience, in Jamaica I stepped into an institution that held tremendous potential, though many could not yet see it. The soil seemed dry to some, but faith allowed us to see that the ground was fertile.

Several persons told me during that journey that they did not take the job because they saw the magnitude of the work it would require. Yet God has a way of dividing the work among His people. Some of us are called to plant, some to water, and others will eventually reap the increase. Each role is strategic and necessary in God’s plan.

We began by building meaningful relationships and establishing strong community partnerships. These efforts were like planting seeds of faith in the community. We nurtured hope, cultivated trust, and slowly the hidden potential of that vineyard began to emerge.

A key strategy was to develop a clear succession plan. Leadership was never about one individual, but about ensuring that the garden would continue to flourish long after the initial planting. Over time, the seeds that were planted began to grow. Programs that were introduced took root and expanded.

After I migrated, the institution continued to water what had been planted. The garden was faithfully nurtured, and God brought the increase. Even the literal fruit trees that had been planted began to bear fruit. Today the school stands as a place of excellence in the community, serving more than 700 children.

This journey is a living testimony of the truth found in 1 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV):

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

Sometimes one person will plant the vision. Another will nurture and sustain it. Yet another may witness the harvest. But in every season, it is God who causes growth. Our responsibility is simply to be faithful in the role He assigns us, trusting that every seed planted in obedience will eventually produce fruit in His time. 

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the seeds You allow us to plant and the work You entrust to our hands. Help us to be faithful whether we are planting, watering, or nurturing what You have started. Teach us to trust You for the increase, knowing that all growth comes from You. May every seed planted bring glory to Your name and blessing to those we serve.

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