Transplanted

We spotted a beautiful, mature magnolia tree growing in the woods, but the pines surrounded its beauty. We also found two young ones growing just inside the edge of the woods and decided it was best to move them so they could fully develop, and we could enjoy their beauty. My husband dug them up and planted each in places where they could thrive. At first, we thought it was transplant shock when the leaves turned brown, but now, their leaves are on the ground—our best efforts to save them not only crippled but killed them.

We cannot save people we care about—take them from where they are spiritually and plant them where we think is best. Deciding it’s time for them to yield to God’s authority and our best efforts to shield or deliver them from situations God allows to draw them to a saving knowledge of Jesus is harmful, not helpful. Taking matters into our hands can be detrimental to where they will spend eternity. Jesus said: “No man can come to Me except the Father which hath sent Me draw him” (John 6:44a)—and God does want everyone to enjoy everlasting life with Him (vs. 40), but only He can make a sin-sick soul a new creation in Christ. We are to tell others salvation’s message but surrendering one’s life to Jesus is each person's decision.