I looked again at a couple of fig trees in the backyard. I couldn’t help but compare. They were bought few years ago, same time, and were planted the same time. No special nurturing done except we water both and try to avoid using any pesticides.
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| fig tree laden with fruits |
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| barren fig tree |
“This is enough!” my friend’s mother sort of complained because she thought I had been giving her so many figs.
“Are you saving some for yourself?” she added.
“Of course, Ms. K.! I love them and I truly have more than enough!” I replied as I insisted in putting a bag filled with newly-washed figs on her hands.
“Anyway, do you remember when you gave me so much few years ago from your fig trees? And now that the birds eat them before you even get a hand on some, I’m only paying back what you did to me. I want you to know I appreciated and enjoyed those figs you shared with me.”
Her hands grabbed hold of the see-through bag and she smiled, admitting defeat with my insistence. I knew she was that type of person who would enjoy simple things like that.
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| picking the fig |
But there was that tree. It looked so barren. It was not neglected but I wondered why it never gave us fruits. They were on the same soil. They were cared for the same. No bias!
A thought flooded my mind about Jesus cursing a fig tree to die. Expecting for it to have fruits, it had none! (Observing our own fig tree, the fruits come out first and are green that they sort of blend in with the green leaves). Jesus must have expected the fig tree with green leaves to have fruits. How disappointing that it had none! (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21)
Anyone can claim they are Christians. But without putting our faith to work, it will never produce any fruit like that barren fig tree. However, if our faith is real, it always has the best potential to ask God to help us bear fruit for His Kingdom..
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| sweet figs |
Increase our faith Lord as we all go through different trials. Through these storms in our lives, help us get rid of things that do not belong to You. Help us to be holy for You are a Holy God. Empower us Lord with Your Spirit so we may leave each day remaining in our lives to glorify only You in everything that we do. Please protect us Lord against our spiritual enemies and give us Your gift of discernment. Only by Your grace we are able to produce fruits that are pleasing to You. Thank You Lord for Your love and grace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Friends, thank you all for your encouragement and prayers. I truly appreciate each and everyone of you. May the Lord bless you all and guide you in everything that you do. Your faith always blesses mine. To God be the glory!
