There’s a song that, if I were to choose a soundtrack to my life, would feature as an illustration of one of the most difficult concepts I have had to embrace… Patience. It so beautifully illustrates the thoughts that I have been contemplating that I decided to share it at the end of this piece, but in the meanwhile, let me tell you a little story….
About 15 years ago, when I was pregnant with my daughter Chloe, the advice that was given (ad nauseam) at my baby shower was: “Learn to be patient!” I had no clue what they were talking about then. It made absolutely no sense to me, but as I have grown older and indeed wiser, I continue to understand and embrace the need for patience in every area of my life, and I think I have made great progress and continue to develop this skill that has really been quite a challenge to embrace and understand…
As we have been speaking around identity, self-worth, purpose and knowing who we are in Christ over these past few weeks, there has also been some focus on the attacks of the enemy over these areas of our lives and how he aims to derail and distract us from the plan that God has for us, through his lies, attacks and deceit. Becoming impatient is a seemingly small and subtle way that the enemy could lead us into making mistakes that may completely detract us from God’s plan for our lives.
I am reminded of how, in Genesis 16, Abram and Sarah created an Ishmeal in their impatience. They decided to do things their way instead of waiting on God which produced much pain, heartache and even impacted on nations to come.
My Pastor, Vernon Jacob, often says: “What you start in faith, you cannot finish in works.” This is so much easier understood than applied. As the waiting progresses, sometimes to a point of desperation, we can become tempted to take things into our own hands, to our detriment.
God created us to bud, bloom and bear many fruit. Note the stages of growth and development. The bible speaks of fruitfulness and abundance, not just in finances, but in every area of our lives…
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.
Galatians 5:22-23 TPT
In our rush to grow, we sometimes tend to overlook the fact that there is also a need to clear out obstructions that may become a deterrent, we need to make space in our lives for roots to sink deep and spread out so that we can grow into strong and fruitful individuals. When a field is planted, it is usually cleared first and then the soil is prepared. We sometimes tend to hold on to destructive behaviours at times, that can hinder our growth and progress. Rather let us use these times of waiting to prepare for our harvest season.
I have noticed with fruit trees that some bear little to no fruit, while others that may seems smaller and rather insignificant can surprise us with a harvest that defies all odds. We often see only what is above the ground, failing to consider the condition of the roots below, this speaks of our spiritual lives. We should much rather cultivate a deep relationship with God and not focus on what people are looking at from the outside.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
As we progress through the various seasons of our lives, we will endure some pain and challenges, but if we remember to remain in God, we will continue to bear fruit irrespective of the season we find ourselves in.
We have a beautiful litchi tree on our property that has really grown over the years and has begun to produce quite an impressive harvest each year. It is wonderful to watch the stages and marvel as the buds turn into blossoms and finally bear fruit. A few weeks ago we pruned off some of the branches. Not even a week later, the healthy branches we had cut that were green and full of abundance just a few weeks before, were completely dry and fit for firewood.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
John 15:1-4
Even in our season of waiting, we need to be sure to remain in Christ, lest we become firewood. So many have become distracted and have drawn away from God during this season of confinement and waiting, to their own detriment.
In every season of our lives, let us remain strongly rooted in God, through Jesus and by the work of the Holy Spirit so that we can grow to become that person that Psalm 1 so beautifully describes….
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3
Whatever stage in our growth that we are, whether we are budding, blossoming or bearing fruit, may we have patience to endure and remain in Christ, knowing that in Him, we will be abundant and fruitful.
Listen to my discussion with Malungi Myende of Highway Radio on this topic, see link below…
As you ponder God’s word, you be blessed as you soak in His presence, listening to this beautiful song…
