Have you ever planted a tree you thought would never produce fruit? Many years ago, I planted a tiny sprig of an apricot tree on the backside of our property. It finally grew into a large and leafy tree, but after several years of fruitless life, I was ready to cut it down. My wife talked me into giving it a chance for one more season and—sure enough—it produced fruit the next year. I discovered the problem had been that apricot trees blossom a month or so before our peach trees, and the late freeze that frequently occurs in Southern Illinois had been killing its blossoms.
When we’re planting the seed of God’s Word into the lives of others, what would you say is a fair amount of Bible study with an individual? Six months? One year? Five? How about 30 years? A recent conversation with Lacey certainly proved the Apostle Paul’s point when he said, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9.
Lacey and Cheryl (pseudonyms) worked as registered nurses in the same hospital. Although occasionally sharing the same duty roster, their demanding work schedule didn’t leave much time to bond in friendship. Still, it was obvious to Cheryl that Lacey passionately loved Jesus, and lived her life according to her faith in Him. The day came when Cheryl, too, accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, and she chased Lacey down in the parking lot to joyfully share the news.
“Lacey, may I speak to you? I have just accepted Jesus as my Savior,” Cheryl spoke with a beaming smile on her face. “I was baptized and joined the Baptist Church. But I have so many questions. Another nurse told me that you know the Bible really well, and I was wondering if you could find time to share with me.”
The two shared the joy of the moment, and the next day Lacey brought Christian materials for Cheryl to read.
“We began taking our breaks together, studying the Bible and discussing our beliefs,” Lacey explained when she called the 3ABN pastoral department. “Of course, as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, my understanding of Scripture differed from what Cheryl was hearing in the Baptist Church. We spent our breaks together for almost all of our 25 years of service at the hospital. With deep respect and a genuine bond of friendship, we did not argue or dismiss the other’s point, but extended the gracious privilege to each other of openly sharing what was on our hearts, and then searching the Scriptures for proof of our points. It was truly invigorating. Our time together blossomed into a deep friendship. We both sought a deepened faith, based on scriptural truth, and I can honestly say we learned from each other and grew in our spiritual walk with the Lord.
“We’re both blessed to be happily married to our husbands, and have so much in common. Our studies continued after we retired. In fact, we have studied together for 30 years, and now Cheryl and her husband have moved out of state. We stay in touch, and she still has an unquenchable thirst for truth, but tomorrow we will be discussing a rather touchy topic, and I just needed someone with whom I could discuss this first. That’s why I called you, J.D.”
Well, I was happy to receive her call. A 30-year Bible study? Wow! I learned that over the years, Lacey had gifted Cheryl with The Conflict of the Ages series, Steps to Christ, and many other devotional books. As a devoted student of the Lord, Cheryl had read all the materials Lacey had shared. Now they had arrived at a single sticking point. I discussed it with Lacey, and the Holy Spirit led in extinguishing any potential problem.
In fact, after their discussion, the Holy Spirit led Cheryl to a small Seventh-day Adventist Church in the country, close to her new home. When she decided to be rebaptized and become a member, she phoned her friend with the announcement. Naturally, Lacey and her husband traveled there to attend the joyous occasion. They wouldn’t have missed it!
Lacey recently called to share the news with me, saying, “Thirty years is a long time for a Bible study, but Cheryl and I have grown stronger in the truth during our continued search of Scripture. It has been pure joy for me! And, for Cheryl, too. She’s so happy to see how God’s Word proves what she now understands and believes. And trust me, it had to be clear to her from Scripture. She wanted nothing but the good seed of God’s Word, and now it has blossomed in her heart!”
Sowing seed for thirty years, and finally the precious fruit is revealed. How many of us might have lost our patience in waiting for the fruit of our labors? But, you see, it is the Lord who brings forth the harvest. Our job is simply to share His Word without arguing or being dismissive. We must be careful not to cut short our efforts when we don’t see fruit immediately. A soul needs so much more tending than an apricot tree. We need to pray for the Holy Spirit to stop those “spring freezes” that kill the blossoms and bring the living water to that soul.
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:7–8.
Oh, Lord Jesus, give us understanding and patience as we spread the good news of Your Word and wait for it to blossom into fruit!
