My husband and I walk toward the town square, holding steaming cups of coffee. We weave our way around freckled, exuberant dogs and sleeping babies in strollers. It’s the first weekend of the farmer’s market in our town. Over the next few months, this place will be a rainbow: vivid red strawberries, sweet blueberries, and peaches in all the colors of a sunrise.
We’ll wait with anticipation for each one. “Are they here yet?” we’ll ask each week. Then we will point at the newest arrival with delight, like children in a candy store. We’ll hand over faded green dollars and slip fruit into crackly brown paper bags. We’ll carry it home and take the first bite right over the sink, juice dripping down our chins.
I thought of this recently when I received news I didn’t want. A disappointment. Perhaps, depending on how I looked at it, even a failure. A growing and thriving opportunity suddenly went almost barren. If I ran my hand along the branches of it, I would find only rough bark and sharpened limbs. I mourned over this. I went on long walks with my husband. I watched old shows on television. I sat on the back porch with mug after mug of tea.
Then lying in bed one night, these phrases came to mind: “like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither” (Psalm 1:3 CSB). These words are spoken about those who trust and obey God, who dig their roots deep into His love. Jesus said it too: “The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit” (John 15:5 CSB).
When hard news comes, when difficulties happen, we can be tempted to think that if our life is a farmer’s market, the stalls will now be empty. There will be only fragile leaves chased away by the wind. All the glory and color will be gone. But the reality is this: As long as we are joined to Jesus, there will be fruit in our lives — from the time we are sneaker-wearing teenagers to silver-haired senior citizens blowing out one hundred candles on the cake. In other words, there will always be miraculous things coming to and through us.
The fruit in our lives will thrive. That doesn’t mean nothing hard will ever happen or we’ll get everything we want. But it does mean that God’s plans for our lives are invincible when we stay connected to Him. Life’s droughts and storms can’t stop Him from bringing forth His miraculous work in and through us.
So let’s cling to God’s promises. Hold tight to His heart. Have strong roots that burrow deep into His affection for us. We will not falter. We will not fail. We will not lead a barren life at any age. Psalm 92:14 CSB says, “They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green.” Yes, we will be
women of beauty, growth, and blessings as long as we live. Because we are trees planted by the river of God’s love, and it will never run dry.
Our role is to trust the rhythm of the Gardener, to not demand only bananas year-round like an impatient toddler. We understand — somewhere deep inside — this is not the way it’s meant to be. “Fruit in its season” means God isn’t in a hurry. He never runs out of time because He has
eternity. So do we. And God doesn’t need me to make five, fifteen, or forty more bushels. The expectations I place on myself are not necessarily His.
What our lives produce doesn’t have to be perfect. I remember a fruit stand on the side of the road that caught my attention. As I approached it, a weather-worn farmer who looked to be in his 80s gave me a bright smile. He extended his hand which held a gorgeous peach and asked, “Would you like to try it?” I accepted and found it utterly delicious. The farmer smiled with satisfaction and nodded, “It’s good, isn’t it?”
Unlike that farmer, I can hesitate to share the fruit God produces in my life with those around me. I think it’s not good enough. I’m afraid they won’t like it. So I hide it away. But what if the farmer did the same? His peaches were delightful, but not perfect. There were bumps, bruises, and scrapes in some places. He could have hidden them in his barn out of shame and fear until they rotted away. Then I and many others would have missed out on something wonderful.
So I’m challenging all of us today to offer our fruit. Whatever gifts God has entrusted to us, let’s share them. Whatever talents He’s blessed us with, let’s use them. Whatever words of encouragement He’s placed within our hearts, let’s speak them. Those who receive our fruit will be blessed. And perhaps our heavenly Father will smile with satisfaction as He sees the fruit in our lives and once again say, “It’s good, isn’t it?”
At the farmer’s market, I reach for a berry the color of flame. I think of how it has waited so long and braved so much to come to me. And suddenly, I see the disappointment I’d been so concerned about differently.
It wasn’t a failure; it was simply a changing season in my life. Whatever might be ahead will not be the same. But it will be good—sweet and ripe for its time.
This devotion is by Holley Gerth as featured in the summer issue of Everyday Faith Magazine.
The Summer issue of DaySpring’s Everyday Faith magazine is out, and we think you’ll love it!
From cover to cover, you will find stories and articles in Everyday Faith magazine to inspire hope, encourage your heart, and remind you that you are loved by God.
You’ll discover tips on how to spruce up your front porch for the summertime and how to become a morning person, devotions for summer road-tripping, journaling prompts to grow in your faith, stories of hope during difficult times, and ideas about how to live your faith this summer. These pages are full of the best kind of hope and encouragement – truth from God’s Word.
The article above is just one of many featured in Everyday Faith magazine, which, by the way, is perfect for gifting to a friend, Bible study sister, Sunday School teacher, or neighbor. And to help you do just that, we’re giving away FIVE sets of magazines — one for each winner and one for them to give to a friend! Leave a comment telling us to whom you’d gift a copy, and we’ll draw five winners.
Ada Orie says
Good morning. I appreciated this devotional and reminder. Fruitfulness is a lifestyle as long as we are connected to God. Some fruits take longer to cultivate than others. Also, God’s protection will come in the form of rejection. This a great devotional to start off Tuesday. My magazine second copy would be given to a church sister who has walked with me in a difficult season. She stayed closed to me and we were able to walk out the season together. She has been an inspiration and encouragement. God bless you and thank you for this platform.
Catherine says
Loved the reminder that as long as we are connected to Jesus there WILL be fruit in our lives-No Matter our Age!
And that disappointments are merely a ‘change of seasons’.
I am encouraged today to ‘go share my fruit’!
Thank You Holley for a wonderful reminder & encouragement today! ❤️
Sharon L Wegmeyer says
Good Morning! I would give this magazine to a widow friend who is struggling with not only the loneliness of losing her husband but also her purpose as numerous falls have left her weak/unable to do her usual daily activities.
Jeni Smith says
This was exactly what my heart needed today. My soul is discouraged for a ton of reasons, some huge and some tiny! This helped change my perspective!!! I’d love to gift a copy of Everyday magazine to my sister. She’s a teacher and could use encouragement this summer, so she can start the next school year refreshed and recharged!
Sharri Dean says
Abide is the word that also comes to mind during this season of harvesting! Thank you for the reminder!
Linda Dyet says
The magazine looks inviting. I will give a copy to my friend who is having a tough season!
Elizabeth says
I would definitely give my extra copy to my sister.
Madeline says
I really needed to hear this today. I need to do a reset on my thoughts. Lately, I have been failing to see all that is good in my life. I have focused too much on what I really want and need, or I think I need. This was so very helpful.
I love the magazine. I have a few friends who I know will love it too.
Sandy says
What great reminders in this article!! Thank you Holly – for reminding me about Gods seasons and purpose in our “fruit”… I would gift my friend who has lost her husband and who is seeking Gods will in her “new normal” in life…
Kathy Olsem says
Looking forward to reading and sharing the summer issue.
Beverly Davies says
Amen! I’d love to win the gift of this magazine and a gift for my Son and his family.
Judyc says
These magazines are such a blessing! If I win, I will gift the extra to my Pastor’s wife and then when I finish reading my copy I will share it with my neighbor.
Diane Lodge says
I’d love to win the gift of this magazine to give to my niece who is recovering from breast cancer surgery ( a double mastectomy). Her activities are vary limited, so, she is spending more time reading and praying. As a Christian, she is trusting God for healing. I think she’d enjoy this magazine.
Tamara says
In His time and ways God blessings us abundantly and immeasurably! Being pruned is so hard… and on the other side there is abundance. May WE KNOW and feel the LOVE Of the Father as He walks with us in our JOYS and our HARD to have a heart more like Jesus… one day at a time! (my fave vs)
Ephesians 3:16-21 ESV
16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Pam Martin says
I would give it to my daughter and who just graduated from high school.
Sadie says
Blessings to and through you Holly!
What a picture a tree planted beside flowing streams.. I’ve seen that a lot where I live in NC.. and I love reading His words along side that stream.. now I am older and trust Him in my bearing healthy and green fruit as well . Thinking of that lovely magazine I would share mine with my daughter who I soon will live near and gift the other to a daughter in law.. both of these busy moms are the same age and have 5 of my school aged grandchildren ! A magazine is about all they may get to sit and read here and there ❣️
Karen Marie Halter-Wood says
I love this magazine! I have been reading it for a few years now … it keeps me on track with learning more about the Bible and women seeking God … I always purchase 2 copies one for me and one for my dearest friend … we both are in the journey to become closer to God and learn more about the Bible … this magazine keeps us on track to read through our bible and we love that it’s seasonal !
mp says
This was such an encouraging article. I can think of 2 friends going through ministry transition and want to encourage them especially with the phrase “the expectations I place on myself are not necessarily His.” Great reminder!
Gail says
This article was very timely for me. As I struggle with an aging body lacking strength and energy to do the things I want to do, I need the reassurance that God will continue to use me in this season of life. He won’t cast me aside. I’m trying to accept the changes, but it’s hard.
I would love to read the rest of this magazine and to share it with my Bible study ladies.
Joan Rawlings says
Wanda, Vicky, Betty
Rhonda says
I would love to receive a set of the magazines! I miss those times of sitting down to read something offline – something to hold where I can actually touch and feel it! If I win a set, I will give one to a friend of mine who is house bound. She has diabetes and some serious medical problems with one of her legs. She spends a lot of time reading (and shopping online, LOL). My friend has a wonderful outlook on life, even though she lost her teenage daughter many years ago, and her husband (and her caregiver) is currently fighting cancer.
Dianne Maddox says
I’d love to read and get to know this magazine. It sounds so enticing and that it would force me to slow down, sit down and be more constructive with my time. I’d also like to give a copy to my daughter. She is a 39 yo college professor with a busy 6 yo daughter. I know she would enjoy it!
Jenny says
Such a BEAUTIFUL post this morning to remind me to remain in Him and His beauty will flow through me to others when the time is right. This hit me at the very core of my spirit! Thank you and bless you!❤️
Nadine says
I would enjoy reading one of these magazines. I would give a copy to the next friend I see after receiving them.
Laurie Hockenberry says
Thank you for today’s reminder that God’s way and timing are so much better than mine. I would love to share a copy of the magazine with my daughter-in-law who is about to give birth to our first grandchild.
Kelly says
I love the magazine and look forward to the summer edition and would give a copy to my friend that I meet for coffee every Tuesday.
Betsy Basile says
Dear Holley….I would love to win a prize. I live in a facility for over 100 people for Senior Living. We have a meeting every Saturday morning, called – Prayer, share and Care. It is run by a 90 year old women whose name is Kitty. She is really very studied in the Bible and anything a member might give her to look at. She was just in the hospital for 6 days with heart problems. When she came back she had to rest for 2 weeks so we missed our meetings, but we all prayed for her to recover and lead our meeting again. She did and for the last two weeks we enjoyed what we were talking about. I would gift it to Kitty. She loves to see things like this and I have given her a couple of my (in)courage books. I love them all and tomorrow I will complete the 100 Days of Strength in any Struggle. The journaling has been inspiring and gives us so much more about our faith when we write it down. Thank you, Holley. Have a Blessed Day………………………………….Betsy Basile
Maryann Guerin says
I would love to gift my best friend Kathy with your magazine.We have been friends and sisters in Christ for 50 years.We have been through many good and not so good of times.She lost her 18 year old soon 23 years ago on the morning of his senior prom.
Kathy is a real blessing to me
Linda Gandy says
I always enjoy Holly Gerth’s submissions. She has a unique way of making you feel like a friend she is sharing her ideas with. Sometimes I feel like it is just for me, at a time I need her message. I would share this with my daughter. She is a widow and seems to be conflicted about things. I try to share my feelings about God but I don’t think I come across right. Thank you!
Indiane says
This issue sounds chock full of good things – I would love to read it! I would give the other copy to a dear friend with a lot of ongoing health issues right now.
Barbara Kay Rothman says
Thank you Holley for a great reminder to keep our eyes on the Lord & allow Him to work thru us as lights to the world. I would love to gift a magazine to my daughter who is working 3 days a week & has 2 little girls, 2 1/2 years old & 10 months old. She’s an amazing mom & her husband is also a precious gift from God. They work together beautifully but with two little ones that leaves very little time to relax.
My husband & I also love to go to our local Farmer’s Market & I agree the peaches are such divine!
Lord bless you as you have blessed so many!
Angela Lietaert says
I listen to the (in)courage podcast every morning and find it so useful and helpful in my life. It truly does encourage me each day. I would give the extra copy. I would give the extra copy of the magazine to my friend who is a teacher and is having a Challenging year!
Melinda says
I would be delighted to win the magazine set! I’d gift one to my daughter that I’m enjoying so much as she has become a mom herself!
Tamara Hutchison says
I would gift a young 27-year old I’m mentoring.
Gail Foss says
Great article!! Love every word! I would gift it to my friend Jacqie who has just begun a new season living her 80’s. She would enjoy it, she loves on a mountain in N.H.and has always taken mile or more long walks!! Thank you!
Robin moore says
Great morning read- thank you. I would give a copy to a friend that would enjoy reading the magazine as well!
Kayleen Fuller says
My best friend for sure would love a copy.
Jane says
The magazine sounds like the perfect gift to share with my sister and/or my neighbor
Lisa Wilt says
Thank you for sharing Holley. I needed that reminder to share even though I am imperfect.
Michele says
My good friend and I are both teachers struggling to make decisions in this season of our lives. I would love to win this magazine and share a copy with her for sure. Thank you!
Sharon A. says
Very timely post! I would gift this to a friend from church. Thanks so much for this opportunity.
Mary Hitch says
Definitely my friend Kathy who has been inspirational to me with her weight loss journey and everyday kindness
Shannon Toller says
I would gift a copy to my best friend, Jen. Our family recently moved from Colorado to Arizona, and not seeing her has been the hardest part of leaving Colorado!
Karina says
I’d give a copy to a friend who is going through a hard time.
Mary says
I love this magazine! I have gifted one of the issues to a woman in my Bible study. This one will go to whomever the Lord leads me to.
Barbara Montes says
To my step-daughter, a single mom
D Pederson says
I’d gift a set to my sister….
Juliana Gouveia says
I’d gift it to my mom Laurie!
Jen M says
I would gift this to a friend who moved to WI who doesn’t have her village built yet. ❤️
Brenda M. Russell says
Thank you for this opportunity.
If I win the Everyday Faith Magazine giveaway, I will share it with my daughter.
She is waiting for her follow up exam regarding breast healthcare. I’m so grateful to God for the care my daughter provides for me.
I know God Knows Everything. I’m standing on His Promises for Healing.
“He sent His Word and Healed them and Delivered them from destruction.”
“I called out to the Lord (I sought the Lord) and He Heard me and Delivered me from all my fears.”
“My sheep know my voice and another they will not follow.”
God Bless my Sisters in Christ.
Brenda
Your Sister in Christ and
A 2019 Breast Cancer Survivor
Kathy McKinsey says
I would like to share this with my mother.
Dana T says
So much wisdom in this words! Thank you so so much for the beautiful reminders, for always trusting and turning to God ! Thank you! ❤️
Priya S says
I would love to share it with my Mom, without whom I would not have been introduced to Jesus. So grateful for the strong spiritual legacy in my family. She is close to entering her ninth decade and has a birthday coming up.
Daisy García says
I am encouraged to grow in my faith and share this faith with those around me. I’d live to share this magazine with my colleagues who are educators and have some time off this summer season.
Shauna says
If someone had told me 2 years ago that I would be in a much happier place than I was then, I would have said it was hyperbole. The last 4 years of my employment were very rough; losing my mom, Covid, and our oldest daughter suffering a miscarriage all preyed on my mind and heart. Then in June of 2022, our financial advisor looked at me and said “you can retire NOW.” Somehow that Christian gentleman had sensed something. My husband still laughs about the look on my face. He said I looked like I had just been let loose from jail. So I informed my boss of my plan to retire in September and held my breath. I was sure that either I would be let go for some reason before that day arrived, or something would happen that would indicate that no, it was not time.
But, I made it. Left that toxic environment on my own terms. And 3 days after my last day of employment, our granddaughter was born, an answer to many prayers. There have been ups and downs since then, but my family and friends all keep saying “you are so RELAXED!” (“Chill” in my oldest daughter’s words.)
We are still in the field working, in a different way than I thought I would. So, from a sister who has had doubts and fear of failure, thank you for your words. I appreciate your honesty in sharing your struggle.
sue nelson says
I would give a copy to my daughter because I love the articles on (IN)courage they challenge my faith help me survive hard days
and encourage me
I know my daughter will share them with her friends
Sweetie says
Beautifully written! Would love a copy to gift my mom.
Kris says
“ simply a change in seasons” perspective shift… I would gift a copy to my mom.
Thank you
Phyl says
Thank you for the beautiful messages shared from the lives and writings of the women of (of)incourage. The stories are full of encouragement……life can be hard, but when you see that someone else has gone through the same thing – survived and thrived – it really helps. I would love to receive ‘Everyday Faith’ magazine. I would share it with my six sisters – yes, seven girls and one boy in my family – all are retired and living on fixed incomes except for the very youngest at 60. May God continue to bless the women of (in)courage in their ministry of sharing their ‘everyday faith’. It’s what we are all called to do.
Aletha says
A great devotional to start the morning! I would love to read this magazine as I haven’t seen it before. I would share the extra copy with my sister.
L says
I would give it to my friend Tammy who needs some encouragement in her life.
Maureen says
I love to share this magazine with my friend, Kitty. We discuss the articles on the phone and over lunch at our local Christian Coffee Shop, Holy Grounds. We give the tear out cards and prayers to our Bible Study Buddies! We get alot of milage from the magazine!
Laura says
I would gift a copy to my best friend with whom I often share my incourage devotions. She is always there for support and a sounding board when I face difficult decisions. Thank you for a chance to win!
Kelley says
Wow, this is a timely piece for many (like me) who are in a season of trying to patiently wait for the fruit to show up. I would gift this to a friend who has had a really difficult year and is really struggling to see goodness in her life right now. Thanks for your beautiful words, Holley!
Jimilyn Butt says
Thank you for the wonderful podcast about seeing God’s work in our lives as fruit to be savored.
If I were to win a set of the summer edition of Everyday Faith, I would gift both of them. One to a friend going through a difficult time and the other to my Bible Study leader. 🙂 Of course, I’ll have to buy one for myself…can’t go without my copy of Everyday Faith. 🙂
Carol says
I would share them with both my daughters who are wives, mother’s and love the Lord. I would love them to receive encouragement through your magazine
Thank you,
Carol
Janice Simpson says
Devotion really resonated with me as I am actually in the middle of writing a devotion and it seems to be withering. I’ve been using it as a Bible study for a group of women I’ve been meeting with for quite a few years. I don’t know where the Lord’s leading, I don’t know if he’s closing it down or if it was just a pause. What I do know is that I need to stay connected to him because if I I will cut off the possibility of more fruit. If I were to win this magazine I would give the copy to my cousin Liz Johnson who is the co- writer for my Bible study.
Beth Williams says
Holley,
God gives each of us talents. What we do with them is up to us. I believe my talent is encouragement. Each daily I walk the hall of my unit (hospital) checking on & talking with the patients & families. Always trying to spread some sunshine along with Gods light & love to each person. Recently had a patient tell me that she would not have made it without me. Simply listening to & chatting with her about family & her health issues. Doing my best to cheer her up. Guess you could call me the sunshine of 2100.
Blessings 🙂