Humility keeps you teachable.

2 Peter 3:18 NIV But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…

Luke 13:6-9 NLT Parable of the Barren Fig Tree 6 Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ 8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”

1. You were created to bear fruit.

2. The Gardener is gracious.

Jesus must really believe in you!

1 Timothy 2:5 NLT For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.

3. It’s our relationship with Him that produces new life.

John 15:4 NLT Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

4. Allow the pain of the process to produce the potential of the promise.

God’s preparation process might feel painful, but it is actually profitable.

5. What’s your part in the process?

Romans 8:19 NLT For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.