Mamas have you ever felt really unproductive, even though you’re doing ALL THE THINGS…like you’re wheels are just spinning and yet nothing is actually getting accomplished? Can you relate?
I wanted to encourage you with something today. Did you know that you were created to bear fruit? It’s true – it’s in your nature!
We have a lot of crepe myrtles in our neighborhood. When I went for a walk, God brought this one to my attention. Those green ball things are the seed pods (fruit) that come after the tree flowers. They’ll dry out and pop open and tiny seeds will be inside, ready to start a brand new plant.
I had been feeling like some things I had been working on just were not progressing. I was not seeing the results I wanted, even though I knew I was doing the tasks required. When I walked past this tree, saw the seed pods & was thinking about its growth cycle, God whispered, “This tree didn’t strive or work hard to produce those seed pods. It’s just how it’s designed…the fruit comes when it’s time. YOU ARE THE SAME WAY!”
John 15:15 (MSG) You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Do those scriptures relate to the things I was working hard on and hoping to see growth in? Eh…maybe, or maybe not. Do you know why they encouraged me anyway? It’s because He CHOSE ME to go bear fruit, and created me anew in Jesus so I can go out and do the good things HE PLANNED for me long ago.
It encouraged me because I tend to be a worrier and a striver. “Am I doing enough?” “Is this even going to make a difference?” “Maybe I need to be working harder, or doing something different…”
The tree that didn’t have to worry about making fruit encouraged me that if I take a step back and trust the One who designed me for the outcome, then I can let go of the worry and striving. If I’m staying aligned with Him step by step, I can rest in the truth that I have been chosen long ago to do good things & bear fruit – it’s how I was DESIGNED!! I just have to keep going and wait on His timing!
WHEW! What a relief, right?! Am I going to still do the things I need to do? Of course. But, I am going to take a bit of the pressure to perform off of myself, trust the process…and trust the One who created the process in the first place!
How about you? Are you a worrier & striver too?
