Give It A Year
Tuesday, January 2
Luke 13:6-9 (NIT)
“Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
Devotion
Have you been taking up space in the garden of the Lord, yet not being fruitful in your walk with Him? Don’t sit idly by and wait for your promised miracles. Sometimes while we are waiting on God, He is patiently waiting on us.
As we are just entering a new year, ponder these thought provoking questions in your heart, then act on them.
Do you allow the hardships of life to get you down and keep you from producing your best for God’s Kingdom? Have you grown tired and weary? Have you ever wondered if walking with the Lord is worth the cost? Just as the gardener implores the owner of the fig trees, be encouraged to give it one more year.
In your waiting, have you sought a closer relationship with your Heavenly Father? Do you commune with Him daily through prayer and worship? Are you a true student of His Word, searching for clearer meaning and understanding of how to apply the guidance we glean from it to your life? Have you denied yourself through a time of prayer and fasting? Are you a regular attendee in a church that teaches the full truth of the Word of God? Is there someone in your life you can trust to truly hold you accountable in your walk with God? Start implementing these areas into your daily life today, and be consistent at it this year.
When everything is great and life seems to be going your way, do you forget to spend time with the Lord? As you face your harshest trials, do you pull away from Him? If these are your normal reactions, change them and focus on always building a closer relationship with God as you give Him this year.
If you desire to have a more productive relationship with the Lord, make the needed changes, and be encouraged to give it one more year. You will be amazed at the fruit you will produce by the end of 2024.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I love You and thank You for always being faithful to me. I praise You for Your patience with me as I learn to do my part so that You may complete a good work within and through me. I confess that I have not been faithful in gaining a closer relationship with You. Many times, I have sat idly by while waiting on You to answer my prayers. I realize that I need to spend more time with You through prayer, worship, and Your Word, so that I may know Your voice and promptings. I surrender for You to mature me to the place I need to be, in order that I may fulfill Your command to bear fruit. Give me Your wisdom and help me to become more devoted to You this year, in the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Reread the questions in the devotional, asking yourself what changes you need to make and start today. Devote a specific time each day to growing your relationship with your Heavenly Father. Start with a time frame with which you can stay devoted and soon, that amount of time will grow as you will begin longing to be with the Lord more during your devoted time. Give it a year and you’ll be amazed by the results.
Resources:
- Watch the message, “This Is Not Your Final Chapter”, and be empowered to grow in your relationship with the Lord this year.
- Following services on Sunday, January 7th we will have Find Your Fit in the Connections Lounge. Whether you have already been in a Connect Group or you're looking to join one for the first time, this event is for YOU!