The Fig Tree…and Bearing Good Fruit

“In the morning, walking along the road, they saw the fig tree, shriveled to a dry stick. Peter, remembering what had happened the previous day, said to him, “Rabbi, look—the fig tree you cursed is shriveled up!” Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.””  Mark 11:20-25 The Message

A small boy, new to Sunday school, was greatly pleased with his picture card and its text, “Have faith in God.” On the homeward way, however, the precious possession slipped from his fingers and fluttered from the open streetcar window. Immediately a cry of distress arose: “I’ve lost my ‘faith in God’! Stop the car!”  The good-natured conductor signaled and the card was recovered amid the smiles of the passengers. One of them said something about this “blessed innocence of childhood,” but a more thoughtful voice answered: “There would be many happier and truer lives if only we older ones were wise enough to call a halt when we find ourselves rushing ahead on some road where we are in danger of leaving our faith in God behind us.” From The Montview Monitor, August 1971

As we cautiously, wearily travel on this unbeknownst journey, you, like the young lad, may have suddenly realized that your faith in God has slipped away. But take courage! Shout out for help like this young fella!! Others will come to you, encouraging you to ardently keep your faith steady and to continually seek His guidance.

The mountain Jesus’ refers to is not an actual physical mountain but the challenges, the obstacles that choke our path. This scripture reminds us that our faith in Him is the true essential, to believe and trust in Him in all situations and that He will take care of us.  With each other’s support and encouragement and our faith in Christ, the fig tree shall bear good fruit!
Grasp onto the life saving faith God has bestowed us…hang on to it for dear life as we travel and work together!

Enjoy some fig newtons along the way!

Love,
Kim