Luke 8:15 – But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (NIV)

Almost daily, the neighbour twins run over to my house to check the fruit seeds that we have planted in broken mugs in the kitchen window. We've had one success so far: the soursop seed grew to be a foot-and-a half tall before we transplanted it beside the banana plantation in the village. Living in Uganda is not always easy, and in the northern part, the fruits are not so diverse, so we are trying to plant some variety.

"Auntie Karen, is it there yet? Can we see anything green?"

The boys have learned to dig for nice brown soil, and they know how deep to plant the seeds, but patience for five-year-olds is tough. They want to see a plant grow now. Thankfully though, every day, they get super excited about a tiny new green speck in the dirt.

I'm glad that they have the joy and energy to wait two years before even tasting the fruit of the soursop tree.

2 Timothy 2:6 – The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. (NIV)

And I'm glad that God has the patience to wait for me to grow in my faith. There are times when I feel like I'm barely surviving through droughts, rain storms, and windy days. Often, I even feel like I'm about to break, but God is a faithful gardener. Sometimes, my life feels like a "soursop" — my attitude is wrong, my face is downcast, and the events around me can put me in a sour mood.

Delightfully, God is there, looking after His creation. He protects me from the storm when I can no longer handle it on my own, and the Holy Spirit nudges me to hold true to the promises in the Word.

Luke 8:15 – 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. (ESV)

I love that. I need to stay in the Word and hold fast with an honest and good heart. And guess what? I will be able to bear fruit with patience! I will be able to shine for the Son!

So as we wait, the twins are learning that our roots in God need to be deep and secure and that we always need to be in the sun for best results. Someday soon, we will enjoy the sweet fruit that has taken so long to grow.

Prayer: Lord of all creation, thank You for delighting in us and for patiently waiting for us to grow in Your likeness. Forgive us for times when we fail to seek You, but sometimes stick our roots in the ways of the world. Help us to remain in the vine and to trust in Your Word alone. Heavenly Father, grant us patience, and guide us in holding fast with an honest and good heart. May Your name alone be glorified. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Lubbers <ttklubbers@hotmail.com>
Soroti, Uganda
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