Fruit of the Spirit: Producing Bounty in Barren Seasons

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22

Two summers ago, our family spent a week on a Minnesota lake with my parents, my three sisters, and their families, celebrating my parents’ 50^th wedding anniversary. I am so grateful for the beautiful example of faithfulness that my parents have demonstrated to each other and to their children. I recognize the precious gift it is to have two parents who have faithfully supported, encouraged, and prayed for each other and their children and grandchildren.

Furthermore, I have been blessed with the gift of a steadfast, devoted husband. We are looking forward to celebrating our 30^th wedding anniversary this summer. Bill and I have experienced marriage during the trials and pressures of his medical and graduate school years, several cross-country moves, and my struggles with migraines and depression. Throughout our challenges, I have never doubted Bill’s loyalty and devotion to our family and to me. The difficulties have made the sweet times even sweeter, and the joys even more joyful.

• 

• 

What an exquisite gift it is to hold the hand of the man who has been faithfully by my side for three decades. No doubt, we are both the people we are today because of the beautiful examples and faithful prayers of our parents.

• 

• 

I realize not everyone is blessed with parents who love and support each other through the good times and the bad. Not everyone has found a faithful spouse or has experienced a healthy, supportive marriage. The humans in our lives may let us down. However, I am thankful that we have a God we can always trust to hold us in his hands and to walk with us through the hard times.

There are times in my life when no human words, no matter how loving, can soothe my anxious thoughts. Likewise, there are times when I must walk alone, putting one foot in front of the other in faith. For example, when starting a new job, moving into a new community, or beginning a new season of life. No human can come alongside me and encourage me at every moment I am faced with doubt and insecurity. Yet, my Father God is a faithful companion and protector, and always hears me when I call on him. I have learned I can depend on him to show his presence and love in little and big ways.

Friend, our loving Heavenly Father is unchanging in his faithfulness and love. The love He promises us extends beyond tending to our hurting hearts while we are here on earth. Instead, his love and faithfulness stretch beyond our temporal needs and secure our eternal souls. God promises that nothing can separate us from his love.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

Oh, my prayer is that I remain faithful in my relationships, in my responsibilities, and in my walk with my Savior. My human frailties guarantee that there will be days I falter and fall. I am grateful that God’s faithfulness to me comes packaged with his grace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your unchanging faithfulness and love. Help me to remain faithful to you and your purposes for me. Amen.