Surprise Fruit

Last Sunday we had the privilege to share our hearts and ministry at the Rock of SW, one of our home churches. After one of the services I heard....Mrs. Roberts, Hi Mrs. Roberts. Now that can only mean 1 thing in my world.....one of my previous students had found me. I turned around and saw Jared, a student I had last year, and his father. I was so surprised to see them.

What Jared's father told me next, blessed my socks off..... He said that he was not on 'talking terms' with God BUT that changed because of me. I was confused.!? He said that at the end of last year when I told him my family was headed to Argentina to minster full time, that it challenged him. He thought that if we could do that, he needed to start talking with God again. So I guess he struggled through some things and came through wanting to GROW in GOD. So his whole family started to attend the Rock only a few months ago. PRAISE GOD!

Now, teaching can be a frustrating job. As a Christian I have struggled through how to display my faith feeling like my hands were tied. I have always prayed over my students and hoped that the seeds I did plant would fall on good soil and grow. The Lord really encouraged me by showing me the FRUIT of some of those seeds planted nearly a year later.

John 15:1-8 The Vine and the Branches

1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will 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.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

I just want to encourage you that whatever your 'daily grind' is.... KEEP PLANTING SEEDS, REMAIN IN HIM, AND YOU WILL BEAR FRUIT. You may not see it right away or on this earth....but keep planting faithfully!!