June 26, 2023

Last year, I bought a mango tree and planted it in my yard. It had plenty of time to grow before this spring and had nearly doubled in size. It only produced new growth when it came time for it to bloom. I patiently checked it daily, but nothing. I watched my neighbor's trees bloom, leaving fruit hanging from their branches. I did everything I knew to do; I prayed, watered, fertilized, and was diligent in its care, but it failed me. It was probably of the variety that needs to mature before it fruits; nevertheless, I was expecting a large production of juicy sweetness. Because it's a fruit tree, there is the promise of produce unless it was the fig that Jesus cursed. 

God promised Abram an heir, and he believed him, but waiting on God to deliver on his promise was excruciating, and Abram became discouraged. God then made a covenant with him that his heirs would possess all the land surrounding him, including those already owned by others. God told him of all the trouble they would face but would judge the nations harshly that would oppress them. 

When God makes a promise, he keeps it. Though the waiting may be challenging, we can always count on him to deliver on his promise. I expect my mango tree will produce fruit, but I must wait for the right time. 

And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6

On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, Genesis 15:18