check under the leaf

This week I had to cut down my bell pepper plant. On the surface, it looked perfectly healthy—the leaves were green, vibrant, and still growing. But when I took a closer look under the leaves, I discovered a different story. Aphids had attacked the plant, hiding in the very place I hadn’t thought to examine.

To save the plant, I had to cut down every single leaf that, at first glance, looked strong and thriving. It was hard to do, but necessary.

And as with most things in my life, God gave me a message in the middle of it.

Sometimes, we have to become fruit inspectors—not just of plants, but of our own lives. It’s easy to look like everything is good on the outside, smiling and pushing through, while deep down we’re battling things no one else can see. We might appear healthy, but what’s happening under the leaf?

• What’s in your heart?

• Are you really well?

• Do you need to rest?

• Are you letting hidden struggles drain you of life?

Don’t settle for appearing whole when, in reality, you’re weary. Take the time to look under the leaf—examine your heart, your thoughts, and your health. True growth comes not from appearances but from what’s rooted deep within.

And remember the invitation of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”(Matthew 11:28)

Your heart doesn’t have to carry the weight alone. Check under your leaf, bring it to Him, and find the rest only He can give.