Jesus’ words: “When you produce much fruit, you are my
true disciples. This brings great glory
to my Father.” John 15:8
Every morning I go outside first thing to check on my
“babies” – our few tomato plants. We have never had much success with growing
big healthy tomatoes, either because the weather has not been conducive or the
location has not been ideal. But this year has been different. We found another
location to plant the seedlings and they took off. The vines are loaded and we
are enjoying them to the fullest. What delight to see fruit developing – even
more so, eating big ripe tomatoes.
In the same way it gives me so much joy to see
spiritual fruit developing in some of my believer friends. Their names have
been changed. Every little bit of growth is a big thing to me. How much more to
God, the gardener of our souls.
Zahra is developing the fruit of quietly and
sacrificially giving her money to those serving the Lord. She doesn’t
have an abundance of riches since she is a graduate student so when I witness
her giving with no one else knowing it is evident that the Holy Spirit is
successfully at work in growing her spiritually fruitful.
When Jamila prays for me there is clear
evidence that she has gone beyond being preoccupied with herself. Her prayers
actually sound pastoral. Amazing fruit!
Shazia does not run away from sharing her
testimony publicly. Courage flows through her. Her Muslim neighbors don’t
appreciate her sharing but she refuses to have a silent faith. Developing
courage is a beautiful fruit.
Masoma took off a week from work to provide hospitality
for guests in her home. It may have been holiday time from her job but not from
work at home. The fruit of hospitality is beautiful to the Lord.
A believer couple has been deeply wounded by some
Muslims. They had been so helpful and kind and treated badly and yet they forgive.
After a season of pulling away they decided to try again to show kindness to
them. They have evidenced taking tangible fruitful steps in the ministry of reconciliation
and mercy. God must be so pleased.
Halima’s faith is being stretched as she trusts
God for the selling of her house. Developing faith is a wonderful fruit which
pleases God very much.
Fatima could easily get angry with her domineering
husband but she continues to show respect. She is very fruitful.
Haneen has become like a spiritual mother to believers
in her people group. She has her own personal needs, nevertheless, she has
matured significantly and has become a wise counselor and interceder.
Beautiful fruit!
Not all the believers I know evidence spiritual fruit
to me but the Gardener is at work in each one. He tends His plants carefully. I
am also one of His plants. How I long to be fruitful spiritually bringing glory
to His name and being useful in His Kingdom. Bruce Wilkinson’s book, Secrets of the Vine, is so
inspirational about becoming fruitful. If you haven’t read it, I strongly
encourage you to do so.
Dear heavenly Father, please help all my believer
friends to desire to become spiritually fruitful. Help me to model what it
means to be fruitful. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
