Five factors that make you fruitful in life

God created you to be fruitful. People may hate you for it but God delights in your fruitfulness. You need to have the spine or guts to bear the cost of fruitfulness.

This comes in the form of hate, jealousy, ridicule, scorn, gossip, just being tolerated or a topic of discussion in blogs and other social media platforms. Bishop T.D. Jakes puts this into perspective in his book titled, 'Can you stand to be blessed?'

In the flower farms, the greenhouses are kept well-lit day and night to ensure that the flowers grow fast. I pray that you will experience heavenly supersonic speed to grow.

What makes one fruitful? The story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis gives us some insights. He had become exceedingly fruitful and because of this, he was hated by people whom he had done no wrong.

First, maintain fellowship with God. Joseph's circumstances kept changing: he was thrown into a pit and later sold as a slave in Egypt by his brothers; Potiphar's wife accused him of attempted rape; Potiphar put him in prison; and the prison mate (former butler) forgot him after being released.

Despite all these, his relationship and fellowship with God remained unbroken, undeterred and constant. The Lord was with Joseph and he was a successful man. Potiphar realised that the Lord made everything he did to prosper in his hand. Maintain communion with God through prayer and listening and obeying his instruction.

Second, find favour with God. Joseph found favour before God, his father, Potiphar and the prison guard. He served Potiphar well and was made overseer of his house and everything that he had he put under his authority.

Third is faithfulness in service. Potiphar entrusted Joseph with everything he had and Joseph executed the responsibilities bestowed upon him faithfully. He left everything in the hands of Joseph who did not need to be supervised because he did everything with a spirit of excellence. The prison guard made Joseph the leader of the other prisoners.

.

Keep Reading

• Keep your home warm with these tips
• What to do if you feel dizzy after a meal
• Are you unhappy?
• The changing face of families

Fourth is fear of God. Joseph refused to sleep with Potiphar's wife even though no one was around - he could not go against God's principles. He said to her, "There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept anything from me but you because you are his wife. How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9) The fear of God will keep you away from trouble.

The Fifth is forgiving. Joseph was good to his brothers, Potiphar and his wife and the former butler but they all caused him much harm and hurt. He forgave them and did not allow bitterness and unforgiveness to ruin his heart or poison his spirit forever. We live in an imperfect world full of wicked people who plot evil schemes for others. Forgive them so that God can forgive your wrongs.

Sixth is to have fortitude. Joseph endured difficult circumstances but never gave up. Do not give up or backslide or throw in the towel. Get back up and stick to it through and through. Winners do not give up!

Seven, be filled with the spirit of God. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and gave him advice on what to do so that the land and people do not perish during the seven years of famine. Pharaoh and his servants were happy with the advice. "And he said to his servants, can we find one such as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?" (Genesis 41:38) He praised Joseph's wisdom and discernment; declared that he will be in charge of his house and that the people will be ruled according to Joseph's word apart from the throne.

Why should we be fruitful? One, it is evidence that you are born again. As a believer, when you lead someone to Christ, you are bearing spiritual fruits. You are known by your fruit.

Two, it is evidence of overcoming the chokers of this world. To choke is to block or obstruct or suffocate to death. Fruitfulness is a statement of your victory over sorcerers, nay-sayers and haters.

Three, it is evidence of overcoming the schemes of Satan. The thief or devil comes to steal, kill and destroy but Jesus came so that we may have abundant life. You must constantly pray to overcome powers of darkness and evil schemes meant to keep you down and unproductive.

Four, it is evidence that your land (life) is not dormant. Many people are just there - not reproducing or progressing - just stagnant. The Bible admonishes us to sow righteousness and reap in mercy; break up our fallow ground.

Five, it is evidence of maturity. Maturity is characterised by fruitfulness. Babies cannot bear children. It is adults or mature people who do. I pray that wherever you are, in everything you do, whatever you touch; you will prosper and leave a footprint of fruitfulness on earth.