By Your Fruits You Will Be Known

In 2008, after a series of major breakthroughs in my life, I began a journey that until today seemed to be the most challenging. Coincidentally, it was also the year I got married. It was a happy and new experience at home, although we did (do) have our challenges, but this particular challenge or invitation to growth and fruitfulness as I know see it, began at work (in ministry). I wasn't doing full time ministry as I am now, but I was working in ministry. Where or what I was doing does not matter at this time. What matters is the lesson I learned. I was being persecuted by the person who was overseeing me. We were "sisters in Christ", we attended the same church, served the same vision, but this person did not like me at all. The enemy used her in many occasions to defame my character, even with higher authorities.

My character at the time was being formed (and to the day, it still is - of coarse), so there were many times that I would whiplash or bind myself with my impulsiveness (oh it was bad). I am an individual of a strong character yet I am sentimental and quite emotional just the same. This is the beauty of God's creation in me. I've learned to embrace it and bring forth fruit that is worthy of His nature in me by learning to bring balance, learning to stay quite, and walking in love. notice there all in verb form, meaning, still "learning".  We know that God created us with a divine purpose and seasons are all a part of the plan. There is however, and even deeper and more exciting plan within the seasons which not only lie in what we learn, but how fruitful we become if we surrender; if we simply just die... You know like that grain of wheat in John 12:24? The Message translation says that if it dies, it reproduces itself many times over. Hmm... There are drought seasons and there are dessert seasons, but even in those times, what rises within the depth of our soul, as our hearts are broken by the very situations we overcome, are testimony of the fruit we were born to bare; because we surrender and yield to the carnality of every situation. Or to the hand of the Father who is always attentive to our process. The result of this and I speak with propriety is that the fruit is manifested inwardly, in our very character so that when the tangible harvest comes, we don't take credit for it, but we give credit to the One who planted it in us to begin with. God said: "be fruitful and multiply..." (Genesis 9:1), which brings me up to date. He wanted us to be added in numbers, yes, in children, in disciples, in our talents, but he wanted us to be fruitful and to multiply even when it hurts, even when we don't want to, even when the grace has lifted and we have no choice but to deny the very reason why we exist. Can this be possible? Oh Yes!

The Master Builder himself, had to deny his Kingship and Sonship, so that by his humbleness we could eat off the FRUIT of his sacrifice. Surely I have overcome many, many obstacles and even now, in this new season of my life as a wife, mother and pastor, I can rest assured that this is only the beginning. Today I came across the scripture that saved my life 7 years ago... It reminded me that there is fruit in any given work. So if you're reading this and you're facing persecution, abandonment, rejection, or you are simply being misunderstood, know that there is a seed in you that must die, and if you ask for strength from above you shall receive it. You are not alone because just as Joseph found redemption in service and slavery he said:
 

"For the God hath caused me to be fruitful in he land of my affliction" Genesis 41:52

 

That season of my life, back in 08' came to an end when I was transferred from that building of the church to another building and another department. A new assignment was given to me. Perhaps an even harder one, but I know that all was preparation for the time am living now. I came out of there as promised, with victory at hand. Promotion is never denied, when you genuinely repent, and learn to subdue the very thorn that you were born to live with. It is there for a reason, but it is not your prison, and it is not your defeat. There is fruit in any given work.

 

Things I am learning about being fruitful:

• Everything done independently from God is an abuse to him. We cannot be fruitful outside his will.

• Your expectancy at the right moment is the fertile ground that God will cause to sow in. When God sows something in you, it becomes fruitful. 

• You cannot be fruitful or grow if you have not honored the mantle or authority you are covered with. 

• When you have been tested and tried and become the message, then you can say you are fruitful (by your fruits you will be known)

REPEAT AfTER ME: I am Child of God. Born with a purpose to be fruitful & to multiply. I will not be stagnant. I will not intervene with God's perfect will for my life. I get out of His way and my way because His way is perfect. I will say this again and again: God is perfect.