By Tsitis Ellen Mubvakure, shared in the Godly Brides 2 Be Facebook group, click here to join us.
This evening, I felt compelled to share a profound experience I had while cutting down a massive fig tree that had taken root outside my gate. It became a powerful lesson in Faith, and I believe it might inspire someone out there who is navigating the challenging waters of waiting for the right partner. I've personally grappled with the discomfort of waiting too long, the discouragement of giving up too soon, and the heartache of settling for less than I deserve.
What I learned from this experience is that with God, there's truly no need to settle for anything less than His best for us. Even when we can't see the evidence of our prayers being answered, we must hold tightly to our faith. The fruits of our requests are there, patiently waiting for the right moment.
For over 30 years, I've known a particular scripture about faith and patience. I can recite it from memory, but I’ve realized that knowing the words is vastly different from putting them into practice.
The fig tree I mentioned began its growth journey about five years ago. It was an impressive sight as it matured into a towering figure with enormous, lush leaves. However, those leaves turned into a nuisance every autumn when they began to shed, creating a mess around my yard. For the longest time, I didn’t realize it was a fig tree until two friends pointed it out to me. Intrigued, I began to ponder why such a substantial tree bore no fruit. One of my friends enlightened me on the fact that trees that grow naturally without human intervention often do not produce fruit, unlike grafted varieties that are carefully cultivated.
This sparked thoughts in my mind about the biblical story of Jesus cursing a fruitless fig tree out of hunger. I couldn’t hold back a chuckle and thought, “No wonder He cursed it! How can such a magnificent tree not bear fruit?” This led me to recall another biblical account where the owner of a similar fig tree pleaded for more time to tend it, hoping it would finally produce fruit, or else it would face the axe.
In a fit of determination, I began talking to the tree, though I felt a little silly doing so. This may sound odd, but my desperation drove me to encourage it to bear fruit, especially after I tasted real figs for the first time at Food Lovers. They were delightful—so sweet and tender—that I longed for my tree to produce its own. Yet, to my frustration, the tree remained unyielding. As time went on, I learned from concerned neighbors that the roots of the tree were dangerously close to my house and could potentially cause damage. Concerned for my property, I resolved to cut the tree down, despite the emotional turmoil this decision caused me.
As the towering branches of the old tree snapped and plummeted to the ground with a deafening crash, a heavy wave of dread washed over me, and my heart sank deeply into my chest. As I slowly lifted my gaze, bracing myself for the sight of devastation, I was taken aback by an unexpected scene. To my astonishment, amid the tangled mass of broken branches and foliage sprawled across the ground, I discovered small, plump figs clinging tenaciously to the limbs of the tree. Their vibrant green skin glistened in the dappled sunlight, creating a striking contrast against the chaos surrounding them. It was as if these little fruits had defied the turmoil, offering a glimmer of life and resilience amidst the wreckage. They had been there all along, hidden from my view. This revelation struck me deeply.
It reminded me of all the moments I felt heartbroken because I couldn’t see the answers to my prayers. How many times had I settled for less, believing I wasn't deserving or doubting that good things would ever come my way? Today, I realized that God is always working on our behalf, even when it seems like the answers are obscured for years or even decades. Often, our blessings are delayed not because they aren't there, but because we don't nurture a persistent faith.
Ultimately, I asked the workers to leave the roots intact, hopeful that when the rainy season comes, it would spring back to life. This time, I vowed to nurture it, regardless of how long it would take. With every prayer I have offered, I am resolved to hold on to my faith, being certain of what I hope for and believing in what I cannot yet see. I have faith that I will eventually witness the flourishing of both the fig tree and the answered prayers I have long awaited. Thank you, Lord, for this challenging yet enlightening lesson.’
Lessons of faith by christian single women
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