What's Growing in You?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22–23 NIV

Facing Life’s Storms 

September has tested me spiritually, physically, and financially. I have knelt on the floor and asked God why. I have stood in the shower with my face turned up to the water so no one would hear me. There have been days when I felt weary, discouraged, and uncertain about what would come next; days when the bank account read like a warning, and my body would not answer when I asked it to keep going. But faith isn’t only for sunny skies; it’s for standing firm when life's winds begin to howl.

Rooted Deep in His Love

Imagine a big, beautiful tree. We admire its branches, leaves, and fruit, yet its true strength lies below the surface. Its roots dig deep into the soil, anchoring it through every storm. The wind may shake its limbs, and leaves may fall, but those strong roots keep it from toppling over. Our faith works the same way. Life’s storms- financial struggles, physical exhaustion, disappointments, uncertainty, spiritual dryness- might shake us. But when our roots are planted deeply in the Lord, we have something firmer than any storm holding us in place.

 

Bearing Spiritual Fruit 

Amid my struggles this month, one question keeps coming back: What kind of fruit is my life producing? Galatians 5:22–23 reminds us that even in hard seasons, the Holy Spirit grows fruit in us:

• Love when grudges would be easier.

• Joy even amid imperfect circumstances.

• Peace when everything feels uncertain.

• Patience when God’s timing seems slow.

• Kindness and goodness in every interaction.

• Faithfulness when we’re exhausted but still trusting.

• Gentleness in our words and reactions.

• Self-control when our emotions urge a different response.

It’s simple to bear fruit when life is calm. But true spiritual growth shows itself when storms rage and answers feel far away. Just as a tree needs time for its roots to grow deep before it can bear fruit, our faith often matures quietly where no one sees it.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for being my strength when life feels heavy and my anchor when the storms around me seem overwhelming. When I am tired, discouraged, uncertain, or afraid, help me remember that my security is not found in my circumstances but in you.

 Lord, deepen my roots in your love. Help me trust you when I cannot see what you are doing beneath the surface. Grow in me the fruit of your Spirit. Where my heart has become weary, renew me. Where fear has taken root, replace it with faith. Where I have been impatient, teach me to trust your timing. Even in difficult seasons, let my life produce fruit that reflects you. May the storms I face strengthen my faith rather than shake it. Help me remain planted, faithful, and confident that you are still working, even when I cannot yet see the growth. Thank you for holding me steady, nourishing my spirit, and never leaving me to face the storm alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Your Turn to Reflect: What kind of fruit is your life producing right now? Which aspect of the Spirit’s fruit shines most in you today? Which one needs more nurturing? Maybe you need more peace. Maybe you’re learning patience. Maybe God is calling you to choose joy, practice self-control, or extend kindness despite your own burdens.

Keep going. Trust that God is at work beneath the surface, growing strong roots and blossoming lasting fruit in you, even in the hardest months.