Valley of Fruitfulness
Mustard Seed Chronicles: Story Time with LU Grandma
We all go through hard times in our lives. If someone did not believe that hard times are possible, then this past year certainly taught us all!
Once years ago, my family was going through one of those times and I went to talk with my pastor. After sharing my concerns, he said, “Timi, everyone wants those “Mountain Top” experiences all the time. But think about this: the air on those mountain tops is so thin one can hardly breathe, the snow never melts, it is cold and the wind whips like everything! Sure, you can see a long way, if you survive the climb. But where do fruit trees grow? They grow down in the valleys where they are watered and protected. God wants us to bear fruit, Timi. Stay in that “Valley of Fruitfulness” for a while and praise God for His provision of protection; fill up with the water of the Word and bask in His “Son”shine so you can bear much fruit as we are commanded to do.”
That changed my thinking from that point on. It taught me to be patient in the testing as I waited on the Lord for solutions and wisdom for how to deal with the unknown future. I pray it does the same for you, too!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, our flesh wants nothing but peace and comfort. But that is not Your way with us because You know if it was, we would probably leave You far behind and our lives would end in meaninglessness. Remind us not to complain when we have trials of many kinds and to do what we read in these verses:
John 15:8 (NKJV) “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
May we all bear much fruit for Your Kingdom. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Meet the Author
Timi Plyter
“LU Grandma”
Lead Parent Advocate
