Fruit is not determined by your circumstances and successes. Fruit is evident through the behavior you exhibit in all circumstances, as sin exists in this world despite your walk as a Christian. The Bible is clear that as Christians, we will experience difficult circumstances, and nowhere does it state that your circumstances define your degree of righteousness.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT
You can be a prayer warrior, read your Bible daily, speak to the Lord throughout your day, attend church weekly, volunteer at church, tithe, serve others, participate in small groups, love others, forgive others, evangelize, prophecy, minister, and heal BUT still experience challenging situations that bring heartache, sorrow, and disappointment. The Bible says to “take heart” and it also says throughout the old and New Testament to “hold fast” to what we have been given.
The word is telling us that we must take some type of action- and all the possible actions we can take involve believing and having faith in God’s promises and truths. When we believe and have faith, we can take a tangible action to “take heart” and “hold fast” and when we take tangible action to “choose” God, fruit will appear.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NKJV
You see, fruit that is fertilized and produced by the Lord can withstand the winds and rains. When the storms end, you might visibly see disaster around you, but if you continue to hold fast to the Lord, not only will you bear even more fruit, but you will also be able to see that goodness and mercy follows you all the days of your life. ~Spiritual Grinder Girl~
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” Psalms 23:6 NKJV