Measuring Fruit

Sometimes (not all times) life can seem so barren, dry and unfruitful! It's can be difficult to see past our own four walls. If we are not careful we can focus on our own situations so much we fail to see that there is a world of hurting people out there. And yet all of us share His same promises for provision, peace and comfort. Perhaps it's because of how we used to measure fruitfulness.

Many have measured fruitfulness by church activities. But I have never seen a plant get up and go somewhere else to produce fruit, they produce right where they are planted. And we are to be planted in Him. That is where we will produce fruit. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 2:20) and notice that all the fruit produced although easily observed - is not tangible. Our fruit comes from His indwelling - not from the things we do!

Be assured that He will work in you to produce His fruit -  Isaiah 51:3 says this: The Lord will comfort Israel again and make her deserts blossom. Her barren wilderness will become as beautiful as Eden- the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found there. Lovely songs of thanksgiving will fill the air.

I believe that during this time of perceived barrenness, He is working in us to bring forth much fruit for the kingdom of God. It's just not what the religious world expects but if I remember correctly Jesus walked contrary to the religious world! Rejoice today - there is no barrenness in the heart of one who serves Him fully.He turns our deserts into a beautiful garden!