The marigolds in front of my mailbox were looking pretty rough by the end of August. I honestly thought they were about finished. But then September came, and I had a few extra minutes while waiting for the bus each day. I started giving them some simple TLC—just by plucking off the dead flowers from the plants. For a while it made the plants look even worse. But after about a week, they surprised me. They’re now the fullest and most vibrant they’ve been all summer, bursting with new blooms.
It reminded me of God’s math.
Over the past few weeks, God has spoken to me so much through those marigolds. I feel a little like Solomon, watching creation and seeing the Creator reflected in it.
I’ve seen how pruning—the cutting away of what no longer brings life—can lead to transformation. I’ve seen how something that looks beyond hope can spring back with fresh strength. And I’ve seen how the death of one small flower can become the seed of dozens of new plants and hundreds of blossoms.
That’s God’s math: in every ending there is the possibility of new beginnings. In closed doors, in seasons of transition, pain and in loss—God is at work bringing new life, new opportunities, and new purpose. Nothing is wasted in His hands.
These little marigold plants have reminded me again and again of God’s faithfulness this month. I wonder—what in creation might He be using to speak to you right now?
“And we know with great confidence that God who is deeply concerned with us causes all things to work together as a plan for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
Romans 8:28 AMP
“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 NLT