The Fruit Still Remains

June 19, 2016

While I was in San Diego last week, I had the privilege of seeing people I hadn’t seen in a long time, some over thirty years.  The first church body I had ever belonged to was merging with another.  They had a celebration and it happened to be the same weekend I was there.  I got to tell someone that had been very influential in the beginning of my walk as a believer that I was doing well; the fruit still remains. Not only does it still remains it has become a tree and has borne fruit.  Its branches are bearing fruit and the testimony of our God is still the same.  My foundation was solid and although I’ve been through many storms and am currently in the biggest one of my life, I am still standing.  The investment made in the life of a hurting, lost 16 year old boy by several people over thirty years ago did not go in vain.  I am today who I am because people loved on me and showed me the way and taught me how to drink from the well that never runs dry. God’s timing is everything.

Today is Father’s Day and as I reflect on what our Father God has done for us, I’m amazed at His hand in every aspect of my life. There is nothing out of his hands or that He’s not concerned with. Even the minutest details matter to Him; He loves us that much.  It’s easy to trust God when life is easy and going our way.  It’s those unclear, uncertain times when He’s asking us to step out of the boat and trust Him that makes us stronger. That’s when the roots of a tree are stretched and forced to look for water and as a result are made stronger and become established.

Are you abiding in Him and bearing fruit are you afraid to step out of the boat?  Faith is only faith when tested.  I’m not saying it’ll be easy, it may take everything you have the first time, but I know from experience, it’s how you grow and become stronger.  Once again, are you abiding in God or when life throws you a curve will it knock you off your feet? 

People constantly ask me, how do you do it, how do you endure so much pain and still seem so strong.  I always reply, my strength comes from God who loves me and has me in the palm of His hands.  I am not my own, I have been bought with a price; my life is hidden in Christ.

I’m so grateful to God for giving my two brothers and mother the opportunity to come to Him and they are now permanently abiding in the Vine.  He’s such a merciful and loving God. 

Happy Father’s Day to all you daddies out there,

Dave