THE FIG

​Matthew 29 (NIV) 18 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. 20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.
21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
 
The strangest things can bring us out of a low mood. My continence was down this morning and I felt overwhelmed with my task list, so what did I do? The one thing that was NOT on my list. I did what I “wanted” to do. I went outside to spray deer repellent on my fig tree/bush (see pictures). I’m not sure if our tree/bush qualifies as a tree, since it’s still so small but for the purpose of easier typing, I’m going to refer to it as a tree. You can look at my pictures and let me know what you think. Is it a tree or bush? We’ll take a poll in the comments.
My sweet neighbor, Mickey (female) gave me a deer repellent recipe several years ago made up of egg, milk, hot sauce and water which the deer don’t like, but is easy for me to wash off. I’ve used it on many plants over the years.... tomatoes, roses, day-lilies, etc.
This morning, I was able to find a few ripe figs on the tree and after a quick rinse, I ate them. Suddenly, I remembered the scripture about Jesus not being happy when there were NO figs on the fig tree along the road that morning. I can completely understand his frustration and disappointment because they are VERY TASTY and make a great breakfast.
I never knew I liked figs so much until we moved to this house seven years ago. The small fig tree was already here and I was surprised to find a few figs our second summer. When I tasted them, I was shocked at how good they were! I found my new favorite fruit that I could grow in my own backyard! Or at least that’s what I thought in 2013.
Sadly, the next couple of seasons the few figs the tree produced were eaten by the deer or ants before I got to them (learned that lesson). The next years the tree had a few figs that we enjoyed and then we had a couple of harsh winters with snow. So the little fig tree did NOT produce, at all, for a couple of summers. I thought it might have died altogether but the tree produced green leaves those summers...but no figs. The small fig tree was still trying to get established but it was frustrating not having figs since I loved them so much.
BUT THIS YEAR, 2019....in early spring when I saw signs of life and a few buds, I prayed over it! I placed my hand on a branch and asked Jesus to protect it and make it produce, so I could enjoy figs this year. Well much to my surprise and excitement, THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF FIGS this year! If you’ve never tasted a fresh fig right off the tree, I encourage you to do so. I think you’ll be hooked too. Be sure to eat them when they’re fully ripe because that’s when they are juicy, squishy and sweet.
What a beautiful teaching Jesus was giving to the disciples that morning and to ME this summer. Jesus was fully human AND fully God so I believe his human side desired to eat figs that morning but his Godly side wanted to teach the apostles about faith and the great things they would do, in his name.
I believe he used this same example to teach me (and now you) what can be accomplished if we only ASK and BELIEVE!
Thank you, Lord that you care enough about each of us and the lost souls around us, to teach us to pray and believe for the miraculous! NOTHING is too hard for our God. NEVER DOUBT, but ask in Jesus’ name and then stand back and watch Jesus do the impossible THROUGH YOU!! He wants US to perform some of the same miracles he did when he was on earth, but he said ‘even greater things’!
Have faith today, my friend and know that you serve a MIGHTY GOD who wants to use simple people like you and me to perform the miraculous! So, go bear fruit! God bless you.
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