In yesterday’s blog post, we learned that trials bring forth a pruning process. It’s painful. It’s unpleasant. The pruning effect is equally so. I love the fruit that comes out of trials. I have found myself in that particular spot for the past few years, as I have sat on this beautiful orchard of benefits that arise out of hard times. While that is true, I do enjoy reaping the benefit, I hate the testing of my faith that goes along with my times of trial. At the current moment, I am not exactly sure what others must think of me or the representation of the fruit of the Spirit that I give off right now.
It has been a great struggle.
It’s heartbreaking to think – I am not showing the kind of person that I generally am.
I am not showing the work of God or His characteristics (referred to as ‘the Fruit of the Spirit’), as I could be.
17 Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to him for help and saves him out of all his troubles. 18 The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. 19 The good man does not escape all troubles—he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one. – Psalm 34:17-19, TLB
While it is heartbreaking, I know God is near to the weak. He is near to me – in my struggle. He knows the struggle isn’t solely the trial. The struggle is also my ability to grow with my trial. Instead of being able to use the trial for my spiritual benefit, I feel like I am in a tidal wave being tossed about – in my words and deeds.
I wanted to find a quote to share about spiritual fruit.
I wanted to find something encouraging.
Something enlightening.
Something worth meditating on tonight.
In Guzik commentary, we are reminded that:
Real fruitfulness is only determined over an extended period of time. “Genuine conversion is not measured by the hasty decision but by long-range fruitfulness.” (Erdman)
My hope alone is in Jesus Christ. Despite my struggle within my struggle, He is still God and reigning on the throne! Despite my character flaws, God still loves me and will work through every single piece of my life that I hand back to Him! While I don’t see it, God is growing me in this time of trial. I am blind to the spiritual growth that is occurring within me at this very moment, but God sees the very good work He is doing inside of me right now! God is working not only in my life, but in the lives of those around me… despite my words and deeds, despite my physical struggles, despite my trials.
Gracefully Overcoming 