(Mark 11:20-26)
20 As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. 21 And being reminded, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree that You cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him. 24 Therefore, I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you for your offenses. 26 [But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your offenses.”]TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:
Remember from the devotion two days ago, this fig tree with leaves did not have any fruit in it, and therefore, it was known that this tree would not be producing any fruit at all, for the entire year, even in season. The symbolism was that some people might appear to be believers, but in that condition of not believing and not having faith in God, they would not have eternal life, and they would never produce any fruit. But, is there any hope for these people?
Like most people, I enjoy seeing results! If I'm working on something, and never see anything come of it, it can be totally disheartening. Questions arise, like, "What is the meaning and purpose of all this, anyway?" And this question will be asked of our lives, in general. Of course, the answer is to put our faith in the Lord God!
Here is our hope! Here, Jesus tells the disciples to have faith in God. In our belief, we will have a personal relationship with the Lord, allowing us to go to Him and make requests. With God, there isn't any request too big. With God, all things are possible. Therefore, He will equip and help us accomplish whatever it is that He asks of us. And God will bring down all obstacles opposing the things that He designates. And in our relationship with and In Him, as we strive to live out His will, in His love, wisdom, guidance and strength, we will produce fruit, all to His glory.
God's will includes us forgiving those who have hurt us. Does that sound impossible to do? Well, with God all things are possible. Therefore, ask Him to forgive those people FOR you. And trust me, I know from experience, this will lighten your load, and change you from the inside-out! And this- and more- is the evidence of our faith in the Lord. This- is the evidence that there is hope, truth, joy, purposeful meaning and satisfaction!
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