Spiritual Growth · Abundant Life

How does God make us fruitful in the land of our affliction?

5 min read, approximately

“And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (Genesis 41:52)

From the beginning of time, after creating humankind, the Lord gave a clear, direct, and concise instruction:

“God created humankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them: Be fruitful and multiply…” (Genesis 1:27-28a)

Whatever the circumstances, we were created to bear fruit. There is no excuse for not bearing fruit. We have everything we need to do so, because we inherited from our Father the ability to be innovative, creative, and resourceful even in difficult times… Not to mention our gifts and talents!

Let us look at Joseph’s story

Through the story of Joseph, Jacob’s son, we can learn several lessons about how God makes us fruitful in the land of our affliction:

\1. In perfect peace

“And there passed by Midianites, merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they brought Joseph into Egypt.” (Genesis 37:28)

Even when circumstances seem anything but encouraging,

“Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]; because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

That is why we will bear fruit!

\2. Pressing toward the goal

“And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a he-goat, and dipped the coat in the blood; and they sent the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, This have we found: know now whether it is thy son’s coat or not. And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat: an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces. And Jacob rent his garments, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.” (Genesis 37:31-34)

Even if others consider our land barren and dead, God himself has said: BE FRUITFUL.

“Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12)

\3. Mature and complete

“And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.” (Genesis 39:7)

Affliction seeks to make us lose patience until we stray from God’s purpose. But this is precisely where we must understand

“knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:3-5)

And 4. Let us believe

“But have me in thy remembrance when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:” (Genesis 40:14)

“Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.” (Genesis 40:23)

Even when everything looks cloudy,

“…Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)

Often we grumble, complain about everything that happens to us, and become furious when things do not go our way. We end up angry and bitter, possibly delaying God’s purpose for us.
Sadly, we forget

“…that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

And ‘all things’ includes those things that move us out of complacency until we bear fruit. The Lord will do whatever he considers necessary, just as he did with Joseph, to fulfill his purpose in us.
So instead of wasting time asking why all these things happen to us, let us believe that God has everything under control.

“Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Jehovah, the first, and with the last, I am he.” (Isaiah 41:4)

We must be courageous and remain in fellowship with the Lord so that we do not lose sight of the goal, and we will bear fruit:

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted, neither be thou dismayed: for Jehovah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)

Even in the land of our affliction!
In perfect peace, pressing toward the goal, mature and complete, let us always believe in the King of Glory, for nothing is impossible for him!

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May God continue to bless you, and may you keep enjoying an excellent day in Christ Jesus!