By Captain Gin Pack
Centralia, WA Corps – Northwest Division
There are few times I’ve ever felt more victorious as when I simply put a seed into the ground, water occasionally, and in 7-10 days a little sprout pops out. For me, there’s something almost magical about the emergence of those little sprouts after placing a simple seed into the ground. The time in my garden is a quiet time often spent alone with God because I can see so many parallels to my spiritual life as I do the garden growth.
Isaiah 58:11 says, “The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose waters never run dry.” This verse was written post exile. The Israelites needed frequent and consistent assurance they had the victory through Christ.
I’m a person who like check lists and instructions. So now we deep dive into the parallels of Victory Gardens while we journey towards leaning into victory in Christ.
Sowing Seeds of Faith:
Just as everyday citizens sowed seeds to grow in their Victory Gardens, we are called to sow seeds in our own lives. Even if we think of literal seeds, it takes a little faith that what you’re planting will pop up in time. Even more so, the things we plant into our lives, we pray take root in our lives and the lives of others. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” When we plant seeds of kindness, love, and faith we trust God for a fruitful harvest in due time.
Deep dig conversation: Who is someone who has planted a seed of faith in your life? What did they say or do that helped you sow seeds of faith? What was one moment in your life where you felt you were planting a big seed of faith? How is that seed of faith?
Cultivating Resilience:
An unkept garden simply won’t thrive for too long. Often the success of gardens is dependent on the gardener who invests time and perseverance. The Victory Gardens were hugely successful because someone (often more than one someone) took the time and investment into them. James 1:12 reminds us that, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” We can often consider the trials of life as the dirt, the inconvenient thing that a well-meaning kid or puppy tracks in on a spotless floor. However, the reality is that despite life’s trials, our willingness to be steadfast in faith ensures that we will find our victory in Christ.
Deep dig conversation: What are some things in your life that you’ve really tried to cultivate? What are you currently investing your time and perseverance in? Is there a time that you felt you were really trying to persevere? Did your perseverance pay off or what stopped you from continuing?
Community and Support:
The added benefit of the Victory Gardens wasn’t just that it produced food, that was ultimately the goal. However, it did something bigger than just a carrot, cabbage, or lettuce could offer during an uncertain time, it helped to build communities. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 Together our spiritual journey and victory through Christ is strengthened when as community we are supported and encouraged through faith.
Deep dig conversation: Who do you consider your community? Has your community grown organically, or did it happen through planned and scheduled events? Who is someone you think of or call upon when you’re not feeling strengthened or connected to your community? What victories have you seen or are able to accomplish when you’ve been strengthened by your community?
Fruitful Abundance Harvest:
As each Victory Garden produced food, many times in an abundance than the people tending it, it became a symbol of hope and provision, even when things seemed uncertain. The whole world at times seemed at odds with itself, but for brief moments in the hands of the gardeners, there were little victories. John 15:5 reminds us of how to live an abundant and victorious life through Christ. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Staying connected to Christ ensure that our lives will see miraculous victories through fruitfulness and reflections of His love and grace.
Deep dig conversation: When have you felt you’ve lived in abundance? When have you felt like you’ve lived with an abundance of Christ in your life? What gives you hope for the future?
The incredible legacy of Victory Gardens during such unsettling times serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible victory we have in Jesus Christ. We sow seeds of faith, cultivate resilience, foster community, and remain faithful for an abundant harvest we have found victory in Him. Let us rest and share in our victories knowing that through Christ we are more than conquerors.
Mediate on the song, See a Victory, by Elevation Worship:
Download a printable version of this month’s Devotional, Bible Study and Craft:
September 2025 Devotional: Cultivating a Spirit of Victory