FINDING ALTERNATIVES. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
The gardener answered, “Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty o fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, you can cut it down.”
Luke 13:8-9

Observation:
Jesus gives a parable that sets the expectations for fruitfulness in the lives of his followers. After a period of time, fruit must be evident. The Lord expects the fruit to come. And if there is barrenness, the Lord will consider cutting any barren source. However, those who serve the Lord in the harvest always find alternatives to bring fruit in people’s lives. They are creative and diligent to try again, to pay extra attention, to nurse and to care for a person that has difficult times producing fruit. They don’t give up easily. But there’s a moment of reality where they even recognize that certain people are not going to be fruitful under their care and they must let them go.

Application:
The compassion of God and His patience with each one of us is amazing. He gives us opportunities to grow and to become more fruitful. We cannot miss those opportunities. We cannot neglect our growth or get distracted. We need to do whatever it takes in our lives to bring froth the fruit God expects in our lives. If we need extra care and fertilizer, so be it! We need to be willing to put ourselves in the hands of the Holy Spirit and in our spiritual leaders to find a path of blessing and productivity in our own lives.

In the same way, as we help others to become fruitful, we need to be creative and diligent in doing everything we can to boos their fruitfulness. At the same time, we must be discerning about those who will waste our time, efforts, and resources, and that do not want to be fruitful. We must be really good in investing where fruit thrives and in walking away from where barrenness is taking over.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please make my life always fruitful and thriving with your glory and grace. Touch our hearts and let us be diligent in producing the fruit of your presence that you expect in each one of us. Also give me innovation and diligence to invest in people that want to be fruitful. Help me to walk away from those who are wasting my time and my energy with a compassionate heart and with a clear conscience. I love you Lord. Amen!