The Fruit of Faith

A few days ago my mind was whirling with all the tasks at hand and I felt completely overwhelmed with the deadlines that were fast approaching. I’ve had to make several checklists to make sure that I don’t miss an important detail as I close one business and open up another.

I know without a doubt that I could not do this on my own. In fact there are several times throughout the day that have to take a moment and sit in amazement at the way God is leading me through and giving me the strength I need to finish well and at the same time to begin again.

One of the many ways that He has encouraged me is through His word. He directed me to an amazing bible study about Elijah. Some of the characteristics of Elijah were that he lived on the word of the Lord and he had faith to take God at His word. Meaning that he listened to God and obeyed whatever He told him to do. Because of this Elijah could trust the process and outcome to God.

That doesn’t mean that the journey was easy. In fact there were many trials that tested Elijah’s faith. But as he stepped out in faith he not only became stronger in his faith, he encouraged others to believe God as well.

When we trust God, many things happen! He is glorified, our own faith is strengthened, our character is purified and the genuineness of our faith is proved. Best of all, others are helped and strengthened through our trusting God in a time of crisis. (Word of Life Ministries)

James 4: 17 states that Elijah was a man just like us who prayed earnestly. I find that very encouraging in my own life as I face my own tests and trials. His example shows me that regardless of what I face, I can choose to have faith that God will see me through.

His faith encouraged the widow in Zarephath to believe again when her faith faltered and his faith encourages me now thousands of years later. His faith is still bearing fruit!

As other people look at us in times of joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, profit and loss, and especially in times of fierce trial, of bereavement, accident or illness, can they say the same of us? Does our faith encourage others to believe God for themselves? Does it give them hope that God can do the same for them?

The field is ripe in our present world circumstances to be that hope and encouragement for others. Only God knows how much fruit your faith today will produce in the future.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for the daily encouragement that I find in Your word and in Your presence. You are the same yesterday, today and forever so I know that You will also guide me and strengthen me do whatever You call me to do. I pray that my faith will grow and that it will also encourage others to know My God and trust You for themselves. In Jesus’ name, amen.