Faith Before the Fruit
- The Narrow Path
- Jun 21, 2024
- 2 min read
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect (Hebrews 11: 39-40, NIV).
I’ve been thinking about how I got to where I am now as a writer. Over 200 devotions on my website, a published devotional, and all the lessons that come along with showing up even when you feel like you have no idea what you’re doing.
If you’re a creator you know the feeling of wanting to produce something worthy of people’s time, money, and resources. It can seem overwhelming at times, and that feeling can drive us to give up before God can do what He has planned.
When we place the focus on ourselves, we lose sight of the power of God. When we shift our focus to hope, discipline, trust, and choosing to show up in faithfulness, God will do more than we could ever ask, think, or imagine. My writing journey is proof of that truth.
I created my website in 2017, but didn’t really commit to showing up and giving God space until the summer of 2020. In God’s perfect timing and way, He helped me create a rhythm of writing.
Friday mornings are set aside. Though I never know exactly what each week will hold, I made a commitment to show up, and allow Him to work through the words He gives me.
As I approach the four year mark of when I began this journey, the most important lesson I have learned is faithfulness. As I’ve chosen to focus on faithfulness rather than the fruit, it has grown my heart in ways I didn’t expect.
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Hebrews 11. Titled “Faith in Action”, it reflects on followers of Jesus who chose faithfulness without knowing if the fruit would come. Hebrews 11:39-40 says: “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”
Read Hebrews 11 today. Take a moment to reflect on where God may be calling you to act in faith, without knowing if there will be any fruit. In life, our choices must be about obedience to Christ first.
When I made the decision to cut back my hours at work in order to create space to write, I had no idea what would follow. As expected, God exceeded my expectations. Not because of the fruit, but because of how it has changed my heart towards Him. And that is a far greater gift than any fruit that comes as a result of our faith.
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