In STEP we learn that surrendering our lives to the Master Gardener keeps our lives cultivated in His will. But gardening is a continual process. Just like our vegetable garden needs weeding all through the fruit-bearing process, God pulls out weeds in our lives to insure His fruit has the greatest yield.

Here is evidence of fruit in a STEP girl’s life:

The Lord has taught me much through three years at STEP, especially those spent as a leader. These experiences prepared me for the unexpected opportunity to teach English to college students in China last summer. More recently, I found the foundation laid by STEP was useful as I assisted in developing a new business. Lessons learned through leading students and team leaders carry over to the ministry-oriented business world. Teamwork, communication, vision, priorities, multitasking, discipline, and being proactive proved useful in ways I never expected.
Now, as the Lord calls me on to the next steps of my life, I look forward to whatever He will bring next. Though sometimes quite difficult, this faith is one of the most important things God used STEP to work in me - trust in God and His strength no matter what the circumstances. God continues to water and grow this daily, as I seek to do whatever is before me with all my might, as unto the Lord, for His glory!
Amy Hardin
Renton, WA

Are you ready to bear fruit in your life? Allow God to cultivate and challenge you to a deeper relationship with Him by taking the next STEP this year. Training begins May 31st through June 27th, 2008 here in Big Sandy, Texas. Call the office (903) 636-2000, or visit the web site for further information.

When God gives a green light, but only for one block, can you trust Him? “It is good that one should hope and wait quietly…” Lamentations 3:26

It is a gorgeous sunny afternoon in East Texas. I am in a time crunch going across town to my next assignment. There are traffic lights along the way to direct me and everyone else out that afternoon. As I slow down to approach the first red light, it turns green! I quickly thank God for answering my prayers. My rejoicing is short-lived, however, as I complete the city block and approach the second light: it changes from yellow to red right before my eyes! To top it off, that is not the only red light I get. Over the next six intersections I encounter six red lights! What was God thinking?? I will never get back to IAA on time!
But He was thinking. He was thinking about me. My character needed a little adjusting that day. (Okay, a great deal of adjusting!) God showed me a picture about life with those traffic lights that day. Sometimes in life, God gives us a green light. Like clear direction in taking the next step. We ask, and He answers, as He is always so faithful to do. Sometimes we rejoice, when it goes “our way”, forgetting that He is sovereign and can see the bigger picture. Our vision is limited to the here and now because we are human. And, sometimes, His answers are not what we were expecting. He does not always give a green light at the time of our asking.

When we encounter a yellow light, it can mean we are going in the right direction but we need to take caution and slow down. Take time to refocus on what God’s purpose is for you. Are you still following hard after Him? Are you taking a different route to fulfill your own desires? Often, God’s plan of action includes a time of trusting in Him. A yellow light indicates change. Be prepared to listen and hear what direction God is about to give. Trusting in the Lord may appear like a red light, where faith is a required element of survival. Maybe you cannot see past the red light He has you at right now. That’s okay. Take the time to rest in His sovereignty, knowing that He is your strength in your time of weakness. I think patience comes in the same package with faith. Remember, His timing is perfect.

So, whatever direction He is giving you this season, green to go ahead, yellow to take time out and slow down, or red to stop and take a faith test, rejoice in Him! It is you He is concerned about. Think about the purpose in which He has created you, next time He has you at a traffic light.

And maybe while you wait, consider if He would like for you to be involved