Uncultivated Fruit

The fruit of the spirit that is often not cultivated is long suffering. Websters dictionary defines long suffering as patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship. It is difficult for most believers to say or be drawn to the idea to willingly suffer or remain in hardship. We read all of time about how Jesus suffered for us as in Mattheew 16:21 Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. This was suffering Jesus knew was coming and He stayed on that path because it was God's will. At the end there was victory because he rose on the third day. For believers today I think that there would be few volunteers who would raise their hands to be added to the suffering/hardship bus. But Paul is who boldly steps forward as noted in 2 Timothy 1:8 … do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God. I believe we must surrender to God in obedience because scripture says that every branch that bears fruit He prunes so that it may bear more fruit. To me this means things that happen in our lives is not always going to feel good, but that God is always working things out for our good. We just have to remember that we will have the victory as well as we cling His word.

Holy Spirit brought to my attention in prayer this morning that long suffering is not something we volunteer to do, God decides. I was reminded about my own situation of being unemployed and how I tripped, fell and broke my arm and wrist in three places. I didn't choose these circumstances and the journey I have to healing and recovery of my arm and wrist is quite a process but I count it all joy. My attitude towards things has been very good and I thank God for it because it could have been worse; I'm so grateful to still have use of my arm and wrist. I've had to lean on my husband to help me in so many things especially early on and after I've had surgery. I'm grateful that he has been by my side every step of the way and I have a new appreciation for him. I'm in the middle of my long suffering journey that I did not chose but God is Able!

Vanessa, you are exactly right! People do not spend their time thinking about suffering or going through hardships. They are more focused on what they can get or receive from God because they are following Him, and everything should be unicorns and rainbows so to speak. I loved that you mentioned Paul being very bold noted in 2 Timothy1:8 that he did bear the burden of suffering fir the gospel’s sake! Paul accepted the situation for what it was and pushed through! This is where travailing comes in, praying and praying, crying out for the Lord to show you what you should do? Yes, He does desire for us to surrender all to Him and depend on the Holy Spirit for all things! Learning how to endure through the suffering and how to push through is shown to us in Matthew 26:29 as we read about Jesus being the model man of long suffering. Jesus modeled what a moment(s) of agony He Himself experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane., He sweated blood drops as He prayed Let this cup pass from me. He expressed the natural human desire to avoid pain and suffering. He endured to the end and gave His last breath as He said, it is finished. His time of agony and pain had come to an end. He pushed through until His purpose was completed as we need to do as well. He has a plan for all of us! Thank you for reminding me that suffering is part of our walk as a believer. Amen and God bless you!