Be fruitful in spite of your circumstances
There was once an ancient legend that I heard somewhere that carries with it an important life message. One morning, a king walked into his massive garden to find most all of the trees, flowers and plants had withered and were dying. Looking over the devastation, the king was stunned to tears.
So, the king scurried over to the oak tree and asked, “What is the problem great oak tree?” With little strength, the weakening oak replied,
“I am tired of life.” The oak tree felt as though it was utterly worthless. “I’m not as tall and lovely as the pine tree, so I don’t want to live anymore.”
There was a pause in the conversation. But before the king could answer, the declining pine tree who overheard their conversation declared, “Wait, I am troubled too since I can’t bear delicious fruit like the pear tree.” The pine tree believed it was insignificant and of no value.
Becoming weaker by the day, the wilting pear tree started to find fault about its so-called flaws and weaknesses. The pear tree was going to throw its life away, because it did not think it had the lovely fragrance of the lilac. Defeated, it felt inferior, and the pear tree had no enthusiasm for life.
Have you ever felt that way?
Plant after plant, tree after tree was sad, destitute and complaining. And so it went throughout the entire garden.
However, near the edge of the garden grew a little violet. As the king approached it, he noticed the violet was light, bright, and full of joy.
“Little flower,” said the king, “I’m happy to see there is at least one joyful, little flower in my garden in the midst of all of this unhappiness and discouragement.”
There was complete silence for a moment. Then, the little violet responded, “I am small and perhaps, I’m not noticed by many. In spite of that, I realized that if you planted me here, you must have had a great purpose.”
Smiling, the king was overjoyed. He couldn’t believe what he had heard. “So, my king,” the violet whispered, “I’m determined to be the best flower I can be.”
The king was greatly pleased.
You could be in a situation right now that has caused you to devalue yourself. Maybe for years, you have felt ignored or underappreciated. Now, are you judging yourself as unworthy?
Yet, you belong to God. He loves you with an everlasting love, (Jeremiah 31:3) and thinks, ‘You are special… just the way you are.’
Be fruitful in spite of your circumstances. You are God’s first choice. Thus, be set free from guilt and condemnation. Don’t compare yourself with others. In the entire world, there has never been another person like you. Created in ‘God’s own image’ (Genesis 1:27), you are rare, precious, and ‘fearfully and wonderfully made.’ (Psalm 139:14). Hence, never underrate your great worth. Or count yourself out. For, you’re ‘God’s masterpiece,’ (Ephesians 2:10) ‘His treasured possession.’ (Deuteronomy 14:2).
I have thought of this legend often, especially when watching with tearful eyes those who are struggling, burdened down and withering away with sorrow and distress. But God’s word is telling you today to “Fear not, I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10).
Your current situation is not your final destination. Remember, God’s plan for you is a plan for victory. And He does not want you live defeated. Put your faith and trust in God. No matter what has happened in the past or despite any shortcomings that you may think you have, God values and approves you. And He has put within your heart all that you need to lead a joyful, meaningful and successful life.
In the Bible, it tells how God chose David, a faithful shepherd boy to become the leader of His people. God could have chosen someone more important, more educated, or with a better background. David was the most unlikely choice. But, God looks at the heart.
The Israelites were unskilled warriors and couldn’t take down the walls of Jericho on their own. Nevertheless, God could as He has everything under His sovereign control.
God was with Gideon when God promised that he would save Israel, although Gideon felt weak and unqualified. Despite lack or limitations, God had a great purpose for Gideon, and He has an exceptional purpose for you, too. And what God wants to do in your life is beyond what you can imagine.
Like the butterfly that fights to break free from the cocoon, there may be struggles before the outpour of blessings. So persevere and give God all your worries, fears and disappointments. Then, be determined to be the best that you can be for Him. You have so much to offer, with a wealth of experiences to positively influence others in extraordinary ways. For something amazing is in store for you, and soon you’ll see it unfold. God works in mysterious ways, and He is strategically arranging the logistics. He is moving people in a position so they can help you. And right now, God is coordinating circumstances to bless your future.
You have come a long way. However, you have further yet to go. So wake up each morning and say to yourself, “I’m blessed,” “I am strong,” “My time of success is coming,” “I’m going to do great things,” and “My future is bright.” See yourself through God’s eyes. Be proud of yourself. Have confidence in the incredible, talented, and giving person that God created.
You are on the threshold of something incredible. Success is right within your grasp. New opportunities, new friendships and new joys should present themselves to you shortly. And the outcome will be far better than you could ever think.
Your future is full of possibilities. Day by day, enjoy the life God has given to you.
Catherine Galasso-Vigorito’s nationally syndicated weekly column, “A New You,” has endeared her to readers across the country for over 15 years. In addition, Catherine is featured on television and radio and is the bestselling author of three books.