The Mystery of Growth

Written By Janelle Look

April 2024 Devotional
Springtime Reflections on God's Work

He is risen! He is risen, indeed. Happy Easter to you all.

Spring in North America is a time for planting seeds and seeing new shoots emerge from the ground. I don’t have my own garden or much of a green thumb, but I am very proud that I’ve managed to keep my fiddle-leaf fig tree alive (so far). 

Lately, Jesus’ parable about planting seeds has been on my mind:

He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come. - Mark 4: 26-29, NIV

I’ve been reflecting on the seed’s growth and how God does most of the work. 

In my new-ish role with Revoice, I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting up with many LGBT/ SSA folks in the Greater Los Angeles region. Many people have shared their stories with me, and I’m beginning to grasp how diverse our community is. 

On one hand, some people are afraid of engaging with their sexuality, fearful of what they might discover. We need to hold these folks with patience. We cannot (and should not) rush them along. These people remind me of the “seeds” in the passage that are just beginning to sprout. 

On the other hand, some people are brand new to our community, and it’s undeniable how God has been at work in their lives for months (or years!). Unbeknownst to us, God is speaking to His people - including those in same-sex relationships - and convicting them of the traditional sexual ethic. Much like the farmer in the parable, I don’t know how this happens. It’s a mystery to me. Independent from us, God is working in powerful ways, and that is GOOD NEWS. These folks are “ripe” - ripe for community and ready for discipleship. It’s our responsibility to recognize the divine moment and encourage them in. 

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God’s growth is beautiful wherever we are in our journey. 

I invite you to listen to the song “Waymaker” (“Abres Camino” in Spanish) and spend a moment in worship. The scripture reminds me of this part of the song:  

Aunque no pueda ver, estás obrando

Aunque no pueda ver, estás obrando

Siempre estás, siempre estás obrando

Siempre estás, siempre estás obrando​​​​​​​

Even when I don't feel it, You're working

Even when I don't feel it, You're working

You never stop, You never stop working

You never stop, You never stop working ​​​​​​​

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Janelle Look

Janelle Look (she/her) grew up in the Bay Area and is a 3rd generation Chinese American. She has lived in South Los Angeles since 2009, serving at a local, neighborhood-focused ECC church. She worked as a paralegal for five years before transitioning into full-time ministry with Servant Partners, a movement pursuing justice and community transformation alongside urban marginalized communities. After eight years with Servant Partners, Janelle joined the Revoice staff in the Fall of 2023. She is exceedingly grateful that God is converging her passions and experiences in faith, ministry, and sexuality. Janelle is a proud Bsian (Side B & Asian) and late bloomer bisexual.

"In 2020, at a point when I was questioning the traditional sexual ethic for my life, I stumbled upon a webinar by Rachel Gilson. As I listened, I felt a burning sensation in my chest, a telltale sign of God’s conviction. Through the webinar, God asked me, 'Janelle, even if you don’t understand my command to refrain from a same-sex relationship, will you trust me?' In my heart, I said yes. This was a turning point for me. After more than a decade of ignoring, denying, and running away from my same-sex attraction, I finally accepted that I was bisexual. I started learning more about Side B and got involved in the Revoice community. It’s been such a rich experience! It’s difficult to summarize the countless, priceless gifts that Jesus has given me. I’m so grateful for my Side B friendships, a stronger and more robust theology, and the deep sense of peace that comes with embracing every part of myself.

As a Care Minister in Los Angeles, I have the unique privilege of chatting with many LGBTQ & SSA folks and hearing their stories. I want to share themes that I've observed. By sharing 'stories from the field' of ministry, I hope that readers will be encouraged and feel less alone in their experiences." — Janelle

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