Living by faith! There is a lot said about it in scripture, but what does it really involve?
Mostly waiting!
Waiting for something you don't know.
Waiting for something you can't see.
Waiting for something you never thought of.
It is probably one of the hardest parts of life. (It's hard to wait for a computer program to load, like I'm doing now.)
John 15:2 says,
"Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
This verse really gets me to thinking. So if I bear no fruit, no signs of growth in Christ, He will take me away. But when I do bear fruit, He will prune me, cut me down to size, so that I can bear more fruit. As I understand this verse, the person bearing no fruit is an unsaved person. They will be taken away to be burned, see John 15:6. This is in contrast with the saved person who DOES bear fruit. Obviously, God wants His children to bear lots of fruit.
Have you ever pruned a tree, bush or any plant. It happens quickly, but then you must wait, (there's that word again), for the plant to grow to see the results. It may take years for the full effects to be seen. That is where I am at. I've been pruned before but having to wait this long is new to me.
I have to remind myself of the "others" in Hebrews 11:36. This group, very large group, are the ones who rarely see any blessing's in their lifetime. They suffered greatly and still do today. I don't feel the need to drone on about all the suffering in the world, you know about it already as a child of God. Yet it can overcome me with discouragement at times if I remain focused on it. So I pull back on my "tuning in to the world events" and spend more time studying His Word. It really does help me to understand and answer many of my current questions.
Life is moving forward for me, (like a glacier). We are looking to buy a home, put down some roots. I guess I need some solid roots for my pruned plant to grow. My work is stagnant, but shows signs of being able to take off, (no where to go but up). So I am thankful for each day. Each breath. Each victory I receive by trusting in Him!
Thank you Lord for this day!!!
Meanwhile, the world spirals on downward as I watch and wait.
