God plants the seed–you–and gives you what you need to grow to be more like him: sunshine, water, soil, fertilizer, weeding, and pruning. In all of our circumstances we experience God’s special favor so we can bear fruit for him.

Philippians 1:6-7 (New Living Translation)

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.