Faith Unlike a Fig
Every spring I fall in love all over again with all things green. I love plants of all kinds! Small plants, leafy plants, veggie plants. I love them all! My only issue? I have the farthest thing from a green thumb! I jokingly tell my husband that I have a black thumb. I wish this were untrue! Anyone else with me here?
After making what feels like a million comments about how I LOVE the Peace Lillies at the florist shop that my mom works at, she decided to gift me one for my upcoming birthday. It’s fitting, right? Turn 30 and get a plant. LOL. I’m kidding. I love the plant! It adds some kind of special “homey” feeling to my living room and is beautiful to look at. Unlike all of the other plants that haven’t survived my “green” thumb, this plant has managed to make it for a little over a week. I’m hoping this trend continues.
So, what normally causes my plants to die so quickly? One reason could be that I have a child that likes to pick flowers for his mommy. Even if these “flowers” are growing INSIDE the house. The main reason, though, is that I forget to water them. You’d think that a large, green plant would make my brain shout “HELLO, IT’S THIRSTY” but, regardless, I always forget. My inability to grow plants because I deprive them of water can be synonymous to a Christian life without faith.
In Matthew 21 Jesus tells the Parable of the Withered Fig Tree. As Jesus was leaving Bethany, he passed a fig tree. Jesus, being in the form of a man, was hungry, but found that the fig tree was barren. He cursed the tree, saying “…Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever.” (vs 19) After Jesus spoke these words, the fig tree withered. The disciples, still struggling to understand the Heavenly meanings behind the Parables Jesus spake, were amazed at how quickly the tree withered once Jesus spake. At this point Jesus responded with something that still speaks today. In verses 21 and 22 Jesus says “(21)…Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. (22) And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
Our faith life can be compared to this fig tree. Without faith and THE Living water, we will wither and produce no fruit. The withering won’t take long. Without faith, we will quickly fold under the circumstances life throws at us and will become barren, desolate, and fruitless. This speaks volumes, right? With faith, though, God can help us move mountains! With an undoubted faith in Christ, we can receive our biggest blessings. All it takes is having faith the size of a mustard seed!
Sisters, in what area(s) of your life are you struggling to have faith? Are you letting life’s circumstances beat you down and deprive you of being fruitful in Christ? Whatever your struggle, I pray that you remember that WITH faith, nothing is impossible! Our God is a God of mercy, restoration, and grace. Find a little faith!
-In His Name
Heart & Home