Today’s devotional is titled The Lesson of the Fig Tree. As I was reading Matthew 21:18–19, I was reminded that Jesus came to a fig tree looking for fruit, found only leaves, and said, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the tree withered. In Mark 11:20–21, we read that the disciples later saw the same tree “dried up from the roots,” and Peter pointed it out to the Lord with amazement.
Why this matters for prayer
It’s easy to expect instant answers when we pray. Yet, just as a farmer’s spray does not show its effects immediately—quicker on a hot day, slower in winter—so answers can unfold over time. Jesus used the fig tree to teach us that what is spoken in faith takes effect, even if we don’t see the result straight away. The roots are at work before the branches look any different.
Faith that speaks and stands
Jesus continued: “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt… if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:21–22, NKJV). The principle is clear: pray in line with God’s Word, believe, speak, and then hold your ground while the unseen work happens.
Hold fast your confession
Scripture also tells us: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23, NKJV). Abraham and Sarah had to wait a long time, yet Abraham did not waver. He considered God’s promise more solid than the circumstances. That is our pattern while waiting: we keep our confession aligned with God’s promises, not our changing feelings.
Putting it into practice
Here are three simple steps drawn from these passages:
- Pray according to the Word: Find Scripture that covers your need. God performs His Word.
- Believe and speak: Ask in faith and speak in agreement with what God has said, not with what fear suggests.
- Stand patiently: Expect results even before you see them. The roots are changing before the leaves do.
A prayer for today
Father, thank You that Your promises are faithful and true. Help me to pray according to Your Word, to believe without doubting, and to hold fast my confession. Teach me to be patient and steadfast while the unseen roots change, until the fruit appears. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Further reading on A Countryman’s View
If this encouraged you, you might also appreciate these related topics:
- Faith that Stands When Feelings Shift
- Praying the Promises of God
- Patience and Perseverance in Trials
- Lessons from Abraham’s Unwavering Faith
- More Devotionals in Matthew 21
Be patient, keep believing, and remember the fig tree—God is faithful, and His Word is working even when you can’t see it yet.