Growing Through Loss: Embracing Faith and Nurture

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating Curiosity Over Judgment

In times of spiritual barrenness, it is crucial to adopt the mindset of a gardener who is willing to dig deep and understand the root issues. This involves being curious rather than judgmental, seeking to understand rather than to criticize. When we approach our spiritual lives and the lives of others with curiosity, we open ourselves to deeper insights and growth. This mindset allows us to address the underlying issues that may be hindering our spiritual fruitfulness. By being curious, we create a space for healing and transformation, both in ourselves and in those we support. [47:25]

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Galatians 6:1, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been quick to judge. How can you approach it with curiosity and a desire to understand the root issues today?

Day 2: Intentional Nurturing for Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth requires more than just routine practices; it needs intentional nurturing. This means providing the right support and encouragement, recognizing that true nourishment goes beyond mere actions. Just as a gardener fertilizes the soil to promote growth, we must be intentional in our spiritual practices, ensuring they are meaningful and life-giving. This involves creating an environment where spiritual growth can flourish, both in our personal lives and within our community. By nurturing our spiritual lives with intention, we allow for deeper growth and transformation. [48:07]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to intentionally nurture your spiritual growth or the growth of someone else in your community?

Day 3: Trusting in God's Spirit for Transformation

Transformation in our spiritual lives is not achieved by our might or power, but by God's spirit. This truth allows us to release control and trust in God's timing and methods. When we rely solely on our efforts, we may become discouraged by the lack of immediate results. However, by placing our faith in God's spirit, we acknowledge that true change comes from Him. This trust liberates us from the pressure of self-reliance and opens us to the transformative work of God in our lives. [49:30]

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to release control and trust in God's spirit for transformation today?

Day 4: Embracing the Potential of Small Beginnings

Significant growth often starts with small, faithful actions. It is important not to despise small beginnings, as they hold the potential for great transformation. By recognizing the value in these small steps, we trust that God will bring about the increase. This perspective encourages us to remain faithful in the little things, knowing that they contribute to the larger picture of our spiritual journey. Embracing small beginnings allows us to see the potential for growth and transformation in every aspect of our lives. [58:31]

"For who has despised the day of small things? These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth." (Zechariah 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What small step can you take today that has the potential to lead to significant growth in your spiritual life?

Day 5: Building a Supportive Community

As a church, we are called to support one another, especially those who are struggling. Being a gardener for someone else involves offering help and encouragement as they navigate their spiritual journey. By building a supportive community, we create an environment where individuals can grow and thrive. This involves being present for one another, offering a listening ear, and providing the necessary support for spiritual growth. Together, we can create a community that reflects God's love and grace, fostering transformation and growth in each other's lives. [59:44]

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community needs your support today, and how can you be a gardener in their spiritual journey?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, I shared a personal journey of grappling with loss and doubt, reflecting on the sudden passing of my mother in 2019. This experience led me to question my faith and my role in guiding others spiritually. During this time, a mentor shared with me the parable of the barren fig tree from Luke 13, which became a source of profound insight. The parable speaks of a fig tree that bears no fruit, and the gardener's plea to give it another year, promising to dig around it and fertilize it. This story invites us to see ourselves in the characters, particularly the man with the barren tree, representing our spiritual lives that sometimes feel fruitless.

The gardener's role in the parable is crucial, teaching us three key lessons. First, good gardeners are willing to dig, to understand the root of the problem rather than offering superficial solutions. Second, they fertilize and nurture, providing what is truly needed for growth, beyond just the basics of spiritual discipline. Third, they have faith that God will bring forth fruit, trusting in His spirit rather than relying solely on human effort.

I connected this parable to the story of Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4, who faced the daunting task of rebuilding the temple. The message to Zerubbabel was clear: it is not by might nor by power, but by God's spirit that the temple would be completed. This is a liberating truth for us as we face our own challenges, reminding us that while our efforts are necessary, it is ultimately God's spirit that brings about transformation and growth.

As we step into a new year, I encourage you to embrace the small beginnings and not despise them. Recognize the importance of being both a gardener and someone who needs a gardener. Be curious, not judgmental, and remember that it is by God's spirit that true change occurs. Let us support one another in our spiritual journeys, trusting in God's power to bring forth fruit in our lives and in our community.

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace the Role of the Gardener: In times of spiritual barrenness, it's essential to have someone who can dig deep and understand the root issues. This involves being curious rather than judgmental, seeking to understand rather than to criticize. [47:25]
2. Nurture and Fertilize with Intent: Spiritual growth requires more than just routine practices; it needs intentional nurturing. This means providing the right support and encouragement, recognizing that true nourishment goes beyond mere actions. [48:07]
3. Faith in God's Spirit: Trust that it is not by our might or power, but by God's spirit that transformation occurs. This faith allows us to release control and trust in God's timing and methods. [49:30]
4. Value Small Beginnings: Do not despise small beginnings, as significant growth often starts with small, faithful actions. Recognize the potential in these small steps and trust that God will bring about the increase. [58:31]
5. Be a Supportive Community: As a church, we are called to support one another, especially those who are struggling. Be willing to be a gardener for someone else, offering help and encouragement as they navigate their spiritual journey. [59:44]
** [59:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:59] - Opening Prayer
[42:40] - Personal Story of Loss
[44:08] - The Parable of the Fig Tree
[44:55] - Understanding the Characters
[46:23] - Lesson 1: Willingness to Dig
[47:25] - Curiosity Over Judgment
[48:07] - Lesson 2: Nurturing and Fertilizing
[48:53] - Beyond Routine Practices
[49:30] - Lesson 3: Faith in God's Spirit
[50:08] - Real-Life Ministry Challenges
[58:31] - Embracing Small Beginnings
[59:44] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
[60:23] - Invitation to Stand and Sing

Sermon Clips

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"As we jump in, I want to say a word of prayer, and then we're going to dive into today. God, thank you for church. Thank you for community. Thank you for a body of believers that gather together to worship your name. Father, we are so grateful to have this community, and I pray your blessings over them as they have celebrated the birth of your son, and as they look towards a new year, God, I pray that you would bring this church body blessings." [00:40:59] (30 seconds)

"That, that was a time of doubt and of frustration and anger, you know, and I sat in front of Barry, the guy that I looked up to, one of my mentors, and just said, I don't know how I can help college students develop a relationship with Jesus when I'm sitting here questioning my own. And I said, I hope because I think that's formative in our faith journey to be able to doubt and question. I don't think doubting and questioning things is wrong." [00:42:40] (32 seconds)

"So I'm, I'm, I'm, I love parables. Parables are really, um, great ways for us to become kind of characters in the story of Jesus. So when you read a parable, right, you always should be putting yourself in the position of the characters. And for many of us, it's pretty easy to find ourselves in the character of the man with the barren fig tree, right?" [00:44:08] (21 seconds)

"Good gardeners are willing to dig. The Bible verse I just read, the version I just read said, dig. My passage says, sir, give it one more chance, leave it another year, I will give it special attention. Special attention, dig. But ultimately, the first lesson we should learn from this gardener is that good gardeners are willing to dig." [00:46:23] (22 seconds)

"One of my favorite quotes that I've sort of lived in over the last few years comes from one of my favorite TV shows, and it's very simple. It's just this quote. Be curious, not judgmental. I don't know if you've ever heard that. It's one of my favorite quotes. Be curious, not judgmental. What does it look like for somebody to be curious about why another person is struggling?" [00:47:25] (28 seconds)

"Lesson two that kind of goes along with this that's not too outlandish is good gardeners fertilize and nurture. So good gardeners realize that there's got to be something that's going to help them. Something more given to the tree in order to help it develop fruit. What good gardeners don't do is dig around the tree, look at it and say, yep, that's what's wrong with it, and then walk away." [00:48:07] (26 seconds)

"The third and final lesson that I love from the gardener, and it's very simple. And this is where I would introduce the third character of the story is God. That good gardeners have faith. That good gardeners have faith that God will deliver fruit. So if you put all three of these together, I was thinking about this this week." [00:49:30] (22 seconds)

"And I have full belief that the gardener would not have offered to take care of that tree for another year if he didn't believe that fruit would come from it. I firmly believe that. I don't think the gardener would have offered to do any of this if he didn't think he could help it." [00:50:08] (19 seconds)

"So let me just challenge you for a moment and see people for who they are. Be curious, not judgmental. Don't despise small things. And just remember, it is by the Spirit of God that things will happen. It's not by your power, not by your might, but by the Spirit of God. Church, I want to pray for you. As you begin a new year, I am grateful for this church and the work that we do together and the work that God will be calling us into." [00:59:44] (29 seconds)

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