(Trusting God in Hard Times)
Text: Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalm 1:3, John 15:4-5
By: KAINE, MARVIS
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Introduction:
Imagine a tree that looks completely dead from the base to the middle, its bark cracked, and its branches seemingly lifeless. Yet, at the very top, it bears fruit—mangoes ripe and plentiful. Such a tree is a mystery to the natural eye, but it speaks volumes about the nature of God’s sustaining power, especially in difficult and trying times.
Today, we are faced with economic instability, insecurity, sickness, and personal trials. The world might appear to be “dry” around us, but the presence of fruit on this tree reminds us that God is still able to make us fruitful, even when everything seems to be falling apart.
- Trust in the Lord Brings Stability and Fruitfulness (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
This passage shows us that those who trust in the Lord are compared to a tree planted by streams of water. Even when external circumstances (heat, drought) threaten to destroy it, the tree remains fruitful.
Just as the tree in the clip was dried at its base yet bore fruit at the top, when we place our trust in God, we are not dependent on what’s happening around us. The tree’s root system reaches deep into a hidden source of nourishment. In the same way, our connection with God through faith allows us to be sustained by His grace, regardless of external pressures.
In the face of economic hardship, God remains our Provider. Even when the foundations of our environment seem to be drying up, His resources are never exhausted. We can still bear fruit in the form of Child bearing, employment/appointment, peace, provision, and spiritual growth (including the fruit of the Spirit).
- Remaining Connected to Christ is Key to Bearing Fruit (John 15:4-5)
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4)
Jesus reminds us in this passage that our ability to bear fruit in any circumstance is directly connected to our relationship with Him. Just as the upper part of the tree was still connected to life despite the deadness at the base, we too must stay connected to Christ, our true Vine. It is not by our strength or ability that we bear fruit, but through our dependence on Him.
In times of sickness, insecurity, or trials, it may feel like parts of our lives are “drying up.” Yet, our connection to Christ gives us the spiritual vitality we need. The fruit we bear in these seasons—whether it be patience, faith, or perseverance—testifies to the power of abiding in Him.
- God’s Timing and Sovereignty (Psalm 1:3)
“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)
The tree that bears fruit despite its withered lower parts shows us that God’s timing is perfect. Just as the tree bears fruit in its season, God works out all things for our good in His timing. When we go through seasons of trial, we can rest assured that the “dryness” we feel is not the end of the story. God has appointed a season of fruitfulness for us, and He is never late.
Our role is to remain faithful, trusting in God’s sovereignty. In the face of global insecurities, we need to be reminded that God is still in control, and His purposes will be fulfilled.
- God’s Power is Made Perfect in Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
When our circumstances seem bleak—whether it’s through personal challenges or broader societal issues—God’s power shines the brightest. Like the tree, our “dry” seasons may reveal our own limitations, but they also magnify God’s sufficiency. He is able to bring forth fruit even from a situation that looks dead.
In your weakness, He is your strength. In your sickness, He is your healer. In times of financial drought, He is your provider. Insecurity may surround us, but He is our fortress. His power is made perfect when we acknowledge our need for Him.
Conclusion:
The dried-up tree that still bears fruit is a profound illustration of God’s ability to sustain us, even when everything else seems to be falling apart. In times of economic hardship, sickness, insecurity, and trials, we are reminded that God is not limited by our circumstances.
Let us remain rooted in Him, trusting that as we stay connected to Christ, we will continue to bear fruit—sometimes even in the most unlikely places. Trust in His timing, His sovereignty, and His strength, for He is able to make you fruitful in every season of life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that even in our driest moments, You are able to bring forth fruit. Help us to remain connected to You and to trust in Your sustaining power. May we bear fruit in every season of life, showing the world that You are faithful and good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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