It was one seemingly ordinary day when I decided to quit. I would quit my job, leave my wife and family, and end my life.

But before that, I would have one last talk with God.

“God, can you give me one good reason not to quit?”

The answer surprised me.

“Look over there,” God told me. “On your window ledge are two plants of My creation. The fern, and the bamboo.”

I looked at the two thriving plants, placed side by side in the sunlight. God continued.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. My sunshine, My water, and my nourishment were infused in the two seeds daily. The first year the fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green grew upwards and outwards.

Nothing came from the bamboo seed.

In the second year, the fern grew even more vibrant, spreading out, getting taller, and spawning more ferns.

But still, nothing came from the bamboo seed.

As the fern continued to grow in the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.

On it went in this way through the fourth year. The fern plant grew, and there was nothing from the bamboo seed.

And then, in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the spot of earth where the bamboo seed had been planted years before. Compared to the fern, it was barely noticeable, small, insignificant.

But, those next six months were months of growth exceeding all the years of the fern plant’s growth. The bamboo plant rose to over 100 feet tall! A bamboo plant spends its early years growing only its roots. Those roots make it strong and give it stalk what it needs to flower and thrive.”

It was then I understood the Divine plan. I am the bamboo plant of the human species. I need to be patient with myself. I need to accept that I have an individuality of spirit and my purpose is different from others.

It was suddenly clear. My roots are established. My struggles are in the past. It’s now my time to grow, flourish, and be in the light. I will rise tall and strong. I will give glory to God by not quitting.

I praise God for the potential planted in my soul. I believe in God’s promise. I declare I am ready to stand in greatness.