Growing and Building with Purpose:
Good morning, friend! I wanted to share something from my quiet time with the Lord this morning, as I believe it may encourage you as much as it encouraged me. (Get the 7-day journaling pages link below!)
While reading from 1 Corinthians 3:1-23, this verse stood out to me in such a beautiful way:
“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV)
This verse paints two powerful images of how God is at work in our lives. First, we are God’s field, and then, we are His building. Let’s unpack what this means for us, as women, in our daily walk with God.
You Are God’s Field
This is such a comforting and life-giving picture of God’s work in us. Think of yourself as a field—God’s field. Just like a farmer tends to a field, planting seeds and nurturing growth, God is doing the same in your heart and life. He plants seeds of truth, hope, encouragement, and calling, and He nurtures them through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. (See “How’s Your Soil Doing?”)
What this means for you today:
- God is cultivating something in you. He is at work in your life, even when you can’t always see it.
- “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
- Growth requires care. Just like a farmer tends to the soil, you’re invited to tend to your heart—through prayer, worship, and obedience.
- “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Practical Steps:
- Take a moment today to ask yourself: What is God planting in me right now?
- Are you letting God water what He’s planted through daily time in His Word, prayer, and obedience?
- Are there any weeds (like sin, distractions, or lies) trying to choke what God wants to grow in you?
Even if it’s just 10–15 minutes each day in Scripture or prayer, think of it as watering the soil of your soul. And don’t forget that repentance is like clearing out the weeds—removing the things that hinder your growth.
You Are God’s Building
The second image is just as powerful—you are God’s building. This moves from the idea of growth to one of structure and strength. God is the Master Builder, and He is constructing something beautiful in your life. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul talks about laying a foundation (which is Christ) and others building on it. This reminds us that we are being built into something lasting, a sacred dwelling for God’s Spirit.
What this means for you today:
- You are under construction. God is building you into a stable and strong structure, ready to house His presence. Some walls may be coming down, and some rooms may be under renovation.
- The foundation is key. Whatever is built must be built on Christ, the solid rock. When we build on His truth, love, and grace, we become a place where His Spirit can dwell with stability.
Practical Steps:
- Ask yourself: What foundation am I building my life on right now? Is it rooted in Christ, or am I seeking validation elsewhere?
- What materials are you using in the building of your life—are they based on truth, love, and faith, or fear and insecurity?
- Invite God into areas where you feel weak or broken. He’s not done with you yet.
In seasons where you might feel like everything is under construction—whether that’s a period of uncertainty, pain, or growth—remember, God is working. He doesn’t abandon His projects. Just like a builder might take down walls to rebuild something stronger, God is shaping you into a vessel of beauty and strength.
Reflection
Paul gives us two powerful images: a field and a building. Both remind us that we are God’s—He is at work in us, cultivating growth and constructing a dwelling place for His presence.
In the field, we are nurtured and developed, and growth may feel slow, but it’s happening beneath the surface. In the building, God is making us strong, supporting us, and creating something beautiful that reflects His glory.
Whatever season you’re in—whether it feels like planting, pruning, watering, or rebuilding—remember this: God is always working. His plan for you is never random; it’s part of His divine design to make you fruitful, strong, and steadfast in His love.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that I am both Your field and Your building. I surrender to the work You’re doing in my life. Plant Your truth deep in me and help me to grow. Tear down what doesn’t belong and build me up in Your love. Thank You for being my Master Farmer and Master Builder. Amen.
Journal Prompts for the Week:
- Day 1: Where in your life do you feel God is planting something new? How can you make space for it to grow?
- Day 2: What “weeds” (fears, distractions, sins, lies) do you sense God asking you to uproot?
- Day 3: If your life is a building, what does your foundation look like? Is Jesus truly at the center/Cornerstone?
- Day 4: What parts of your “structure” (mindset, habits, emotions) feel shaky or under construction?
- Day 5: Reflect on a time when God was working behind the scenes in your life. How did that season prepare you for where you are now?
- Day 6: How can you partner with God this week—watering the seeds He’s planted and trusting Him with the growth?
- Day 7: Write a prayer of surrender, asking God to continue His work in both the field and the building of your life.
“Want to take these reflections deeper? Click here to download your free 7-day printable journaling page and walk through each day with God.” ✨
As you reflect on these images throughout the week, remember that God is nurturing you like a field, and He is constructing something beautiful in you like a building. Rest in the truth that He is at work, even when it’s hard to see. He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you. (Philippians 1:6 NIV)
Sending you love and encouragement as you walk through this season with God, trusting His process in your life.
With grace, hope and love
