September 13, 2021
Don’t Mess With My Fruit
Kelly Balarie
Today’s Truth
“The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts” (Matthew 13:19, NLT).
Friend to Friend
My new house has a blueberry bush. Through our living room window, I see ripening berries. When they get a perfect blue hue, then I’ll know it is time to pluck them off. Yet, there's one problem with my hypothetical dream…
Birds. Pesky little birds keep stealing my fruit. When I see a berry all blue and ready-to-eat, a bird comes along, sits on a branch – and pluck! My luscious berry is gone. In a split-second, my ripe fruit is stolen right off the vine.
This situation happens in our spiritual life too. Many of us have ripening fruit in our lives, yet there is an enemy who wants to steal it. The Bible tells us that ”the thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10 NIV). This can happen without us even realizing it.
God is growing patience, yet we fall into self-defeat when an event triggers us. We say, “Why bother trying!?”
God is growing endurance, yet a test comes and we figure our pain will never end. “Things will never get better.”
God is growing our love for another, yet a horrible situation happens where it seems the other person shows no signs of changing. “God won’t really do this.”
The enemy steals fruit when we believe lies. The lies are usually: Things will never change. I am bad, guilty, and will never be better. God will not come through.
Just because God allows us to go through something difficult, doesn’t mean He isn’t doing something divine. Just because God allows us to experience hardships doesn’t mean that He’s not growing fruit in our lives.
“The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts” (Matthew 13:19, NLT).
More important than hearing the truth is understanding it -- where we go about living it. More important than knowing a Bible verse is having it lay claim to our lives. More important than seeing a problem is understanding God will show up.
Remember, Jesus is the Teacher. He doesn’t waste problems; He teaches us through them.
It matters less what you know, or what you recite by rote-memory, and far more what you truly understand in your heart.
Back to my blueberry bush. After some research, I took action. I wrapped aluminum foil around part of the bush to repel pesky fruit eaters.
And it worked.
Now when I look out my window, I not only see luscious, ripe fruit, but I now eat that fruit. Yet, in order to keep the fruit, I had to stop the enemy in his tracks. I had to set up a defense.
We must do the same--by setting up a defense against the enemy.
How? We resist. We resist sneak attacks by taking care of ourselves when we're tired, hungry, or lonely. We can resist defeat and discouragement by turning on worship music and singing from our heart. We resist becoming a victim when we remember we truly are who God says we are. We resist going downhill and allow God's grace to lift us up.
When we resist, then we persist – in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I want to learn. I want to grow in true fruitfulness. I want to be taught by You. I pray that the enemy of my soul may have no access to my heart, soul, mind or spirit. I pray that I can believe the truth in all things, in all ways and at all times by your grace. I pray that I will trust You to provide and to take care of me. I want You above all else. You are my greatest pursuit.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
How might you need to set up a defense from the enemy stealing your fruit? What might that look like practically?
What lie(s) does the enemy try to sell you? What fruit does he desire to steal?
What is one truth from God’s Word to arm you as you move forward? How can you let this truth sink from your head to your heart?
More from the Girlfriends
Many are finding renewed hope and faith from Kelly’s weekly email messages. Join in and get biblical, soul-filling encouragement and tips from Kelly Balarie via email. Or, check out her new book, Rest Now: 7 Ways to Say No, Set Boundaries and Seize Joy.
© 2021 by Kelly Balarie. All rights reserved.
Originally published Monday, 13 September 2021.
SHARE
