Prosperity & The Truly Fruitful Life

It’s fair to say that – relatively speaking - many people are going through a tough time right now. Emphasis on “relatively”. In reflection we might take a moment to compare our present circumstances “relative” to the rest of the world and see how far they have yet to go. But we’re in America right? So we’re deserving and we’re special, we’re blessed - so how dare anyone challenge our looking glass lens on reality. Well, the Apostle Paul declared, “We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing Him directly (and His plan) just as He knows us!” (1Cor13:12, The Message Bible, annotated)

Many religious or so-called people of faith are doing a lot of praying and genie lamp rubbing for God’s will to take a turn toward affluence in their lives. Affluence pursued is a phantom never caught. If I’ve heard it once I’ve heard it many times; “I pray for God’s will to manifest itself in my life.“ or “I know that God has a plan for my life and I can’t wait for Him to present it to me.” when they really mean, “God I know it’s your plan for me to win the lottery so - how about it?”

God does have a plan and that plan, His plan (like it or not) is working every moment of our lives – perhaps especially during those “worst” days, moments or seasons.

I have a Christian brother who is going through a difficult time. He and his wife are drawn to God and have committed to follow Him. They are both go-getter professionals and achievers. They have a young son and they are building a life together. They’ve also been drawn to a deeper relationship with God as a family. Just the kind of fledgling, delicate situation you would ask God to grace with mercy and good fortune. So, of course, with not perfect but exquisite timing – the wife lost her job under some unsavory circumstances – a victim of egos and selfish managers protecting themselves first. The setback is significant to their existence and it is testing their faith. Rather than whine and blame, they are living more in the moment, questioning the basis of their lives before their present circumstances, drawing closer in love and support of each other as never before in their lives and together they are searching for His purpose in it all. Do you see God’s plan?

At the end of the day – if you believe in the God of the Bible - we are created for one thing – to return to and glorify Him, our Lord Jesus Christ who created us and who loves us. While orchestrating the activities of the whole universe down to every hair on your head and every sparrow that falls to the ground - that’s His primary interest. Few humble themselves to intellectually accept that simple concept. Fewer still give their lives to it. As St. Augustine famously surmised, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
In John’s Gospel (NKJV) in Chapter 15 verse 2 Jesus says, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” You may think it satisfying to produce your own fruit – but that fruit spoils, rots and turns to dust – there is no eternal joy in it. His fruit comes from His resources (the sap from His vine that draws through vast roots from resources far beyond our ability to comprehend). Relying on His resources we produce His fruit by abiding in His Spirit. His desires become our desires and we experience authentic joy in seeing Him come through, using our lives as His conduit (we, the branches) through which He flows unimpeded to produce His magnificent and eternal fruit.

Have you ever done any serious gardening? Can a pear tree produce grapes? When you cut back the dead wood doesn’t more than one fresh shoot spring forth? Have you ever had any serious gardening done on you? Those who bear fruit are not left alone. God is a diligent and expert vine dresser. They are cut to the quick – the sap of the Vine oozes forth from the wounds - so that fresh growth is possible – and more fruit! The most fruitful have the most scars from pruning. His vine is a perfect vine – everywhere it is green. There is no dead wood to be found. But there is pain, change, transformation and growth in the process.

There is an elite fighting force that claims as a slogan during their arduous physical training regimens that pain is the experience of weakness being driven from your body.

In James 1:2-8 (NKJV) the author writes, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (a fruit). But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in (abiding) faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” Read the rest of James for inspiration, encouragement and conviction.

Are you a person of faith? Are you going through a tough time? Consider the purpose for it and focus on the moment. Look for the good reason for it rather than focusing on some outcome you want in some uncertain future full of variables you do not control. What does He want? Why is He putting you through this? How can you glorify Him through it? Then, after a time, some serious prayer, an abiding heart, contemplation and quiet time away from others; invite God to speak to you personally. Then, finish this sentence; “I’m beginning to realize ____________.”

All the best!

Bill