Bearing Fruit with Patience
In the parable of the sower Jesus describes four possible responses to the Word of God. Some have heard but the devil takes it away. Some spring up quickly, joyfully accepting the message, but when testing comes their shallow faith is revealed. Then there are those who let the money and cares of this world choke out the word of God from their hearts. But the final soil is good soil. It produces a crop. It bears fruit. Jesus says this is how it happens: Luke 8:15 (ESV) As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Patience... that's a key word here. Jesus is implying something for everyone who has wanted to be a fruitful Christ-follower... be patient with your own results. For everyone wondering why they have struggled to see change in their lives EVEN as a Christ follower, they need to know: Fruitfulness isn't overnight. That's good and b...