The Fruit of the Spirit Doesn’t Grow Overnight

Galatians 5:22-23 says,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…”

And something that has stood out to me before is that Scripture says fruit, not fruits.

It is one fruit with many different aspects growing from the same root.

I think sometimes we separate them in our minds and focus only on the ones that feel easier or more natural to us. Maybe we feel strong in kindness, but weak in patience. Maybe we are faithful in one area, but struggling to walk in peace somewhere else.

But the goal is not to pick and choose which parts of spiritual fruit we want growing in our lives.

As we stay rooted in Him, we should desire all of these things to be developed in us.

Not perfectly overnight, but progressively as we mature and continue walking with the Lord.

When we read those verses, it’s easy to admire them from a distance. We want those things in our lives. We want to be known for peace, patience, kindness, and self-control.

But fruit doesn’t appear overnight.

And honestly, I think sometimes we expect spiritual growth to happen far faster than it actually does.

We pray one prayer and expect instant patience. We ask God to help us, then wonder why we still struggle in hard moments.

We want growth without process.

But real growth rarely works that way.

And honestly, we understand that concept naturally in almost every other area of life.

You do not hand a baby a steak and expect them to know how to handle it. They begin with milk first, and as they grow and mature, they slowly become able to handle stronger things.

Spiritually, I think we sometimes forget that same principle applies to us.

Hebrews 5:13-14 says,

“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age…”

Growth happens progressively.

Maturity develops over time.

Prefer to listen? You can hear Part 1 here:

And yet so many times we become frustrated with ourselves because we are not spiritually mature overnight. We expect ourselves to instantly respond with patience. We expect immediate peace. We expect instant growth after one prayer at the altar. But spiritual fruit is developed little by little as we continue walking with Him.

Fruit grows slowly.

Long before fruit is ever visible on a tree, something is happening beneath the surface. Roots are growing deeper. Strength is developing where no one else can see it yet.

And spiritually, I think God often works the same way. Some of the deepest growth in our lives happens quietly. Through ordinary days, stretching seasons, and moments that require us to choose Him again and again.

Romans 5:3-4 reminds us,

“…tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope.”

That means even the hard seasons are not wasted.

Sometimes the very situations we wish would disappear are the exact places where God is developing fruit in us.

What Pressure Reveals

One thing I’ve learned is this: whatever is rooted deeply inside of us eventually comes out. Not just in the big spiritual moments, but in everyday life.

In the way we respond when we’re frustrated, the way we speak when we’re tired, and the way we handle pressure when things don’t go according to plan.

Eventually, the fruit of the Spirit becomes visible.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:20,

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

That verse is not meant to condemn us. It’s meant to make us pause and reflect. Because whatever we are feeding spiritually will eventually grow.

If we constantly feed fear, bitterness, pride, anger, or anxiety, those things eventually begin surfacing in our words, reactions, and attitudes. But when we stay rooted in Him, the fruit of the Spirit slowly begins growing in our lives over time.

And maybe slowly is not a bad thing. Maybe slow growth creates deeper roots. Maybe the process is what keeps us dependent on Him instead of ourselves.

The Growth You Cannot Yet See

I think this is the part we struggle with the most.

We want visible progress. We want to know something is happening, and we want proof that God is working.

But some of His deepest work happens beneath the surface where no one else can see it yet.

Philippians 1:6 says,

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

God is still working.

He is still shaping, still pruning, and still growing fruit in places that do not look finished yet.

And maybe some of you need this reminder today: Just because growth feels slow doesn’t mean nothing is happening.

Some seasons are root-growing seasons.

And roots matter.

A mature tree can withstand the winds pushing against it because its roots have grown deep.

And spiritually, deep roots are what keep us standing when life becomes difficult.

Staying Rooted While the Fruit of the Spirit Grows

So if you’ve been discouraged by where you are spiritually lately, don’t uproot yourself just because growth feels slow.

Stay planted, stay surrendered, and stay rooted.

Keep praying, keep showing up, and keep allowing the Lord to work in the areas that still need growth. Because what is growing in you today will eventually produce fruit tomorrow.

And in time, what God is doing inside of you will become visible for others to see.

If this encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with someone else who may need the reminder today.

And if you’re looking for more encouragement like this, be sure to visit the Encouragement section here on Makin’ Macon.

You can also join the Stay Rooted email where I share gentle weekly encouragement, real life reflections, and reminders to stay grounded in Him right in the middle of everyday chaos.

And remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.

A Faith That Is Passed Down Through a Mother’s Faith

Paul reminded Timothy of something powerful, and he didn’t just reference it—he said it plainly:

“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (2 Timothy 1:5, KJV)

That word unfeigned means sincere. It’s real, not forced, not something put on for others to see. It was a faith Timothy had seen before it ever became his own. It lived in his grandmother, then in his mother, and eventually in him.

That kind of faith doesn’t come from one moment or one message. It comes from being around it, watching it, and experiencing it lived out day by day. Paul was intentional to point that out because Timothy’s walk didn’t start with him; it was shaped by what was lived in front of him.

He didn’t just inherit words. He inherited a walk. He saw what sincere faith looked like when life was normal, when it was hard, and when no one else was around.

That’s what “unfeigned faith” looks like in real life. Not perfect, but consistent. Not loud all the time, but present. A faith that shows up again and again, even in the small moments.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds us,

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children…”

Notice it begins in the heart before it is ever taught. What lives in us is what is passed down—and often, it’s passed down quietly.

The Seeds We Don’t Always See

That truth has played out in my own life in ways I didn’t fully recognize at the time.

I remember sitting in my car, pregnant with my first, listening to music. I turned it up, and I could feel her moving. It may sound simple, but I remember thinking she was going to love music—and I wasn’t wrong.

I led worship while pregnant with both of my kids, and now they both love to sing.

To this day, our kids walk around singing constantly. You’ll even find my daughter standing on the stage with the praise team, worshipping with everything she has.

And I can’t help but see the hand of God in that.

But even before that, there were seeds being planted in me.

I can remember waking up as a child in the middle of the night and hearing my mom or my dad praying in the living room. They didn’t realize I was listening, but I was, and something inside of me was being shaped in those quiet moments.

Looking back now, I realize something… those moments didn’t look important at the time. They didn’t feel like anything life-changing was happening. But they were laying a foundation I didn’t even recognize yet.

And that’s what makes this next part so important, because the moments that feel the smallest are often the ones doing the deepest work.

When It Doesn’t Look Like It’s Working

I remember sitting on the pew as a child, scribbling on paper while church went on around me. To anyone watching, it probably looked like I wasn’t paying attention at all.

But something was stirring. Something was taking root.

Now I’ve watched my own kids do the same thing. They sit with us in service, they watch, they follow, and they mimic our posture of worship. They see more than we realize, and that’s the part we have to hold on to.

Because if we’re honest, there are moments we wonder if any of it is sticking. Moments where it feels like we’re repeating ourselves, correcting the same things, or trying to hold their attention while everything else pulls at them.

It’s easy to walk away from those moments thinking, “Did any of that matter?”

But just because it doesn’t look like it’s working doesn’t mean God isn’t working.

Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that His Word will not return void. Even when we don’t see immediate results, God is still moving beneath the surface.

And I want to speak to that season when your children are little and you’re trying to nurture them in church. There are services where it feels like you didn’t hear a single word the preacher said because you were tending to a child at your feet.

But listen to me clearly… that is one of the most vital times to teach your children about church.

You didn’t just sit on the pew waiting for them to grow up—you brought them with you. You took them up front and showed them how to worship. You showed them what it looks like to pray in the altar. You let them see it, feel it, and be a part of it.

It may have felt chaotic in the moment, but you were teaching something deeper than words ever could. You were showing them how—and that stays with them.

If you’ve ever struggled with staying focused in the middle of life’s noise, you may also be encouraged by my post, Guarding Your Heart in a Noisy World.

When You Feel Like You’re Failing

And if we’re honest, this is where it can get the hardest.

I know the feeling of wondering if you’re doing enough, if your children will make it, and if you’re getting this right.

Was I too harsh just now? Did I handle that the right way? Am I leading them well spiritually, or just trying to get through the day?

Those quiet questions can weigh on you more than anyone else ever sees.

But then there are moments that remind you otherwise.

Moments where you see conviction in your child’s heart, moments where you watch them worship freely, and moments where you realize something deeper has taken hold.

And in those moments, the Lord gently reminds you that He is faithful to what has been planted—even when you feel like you’re falling short.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us,

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

What you are doing matters, even when it feels unseen.

This part of the conversation continues here:

When They Have to Choose for Themselves

There is something else we need to talk about, because this is real life.

Sometimes, even when you have prayed, taught, shown them, and lived it in front of them… your children may still walk away.

And that can feel like the deepest kind of heartbreak.

It can make you question everything. Did I do enough? Did I miss something? Did I fail somewhere along the way?

But listen to me clearly… their choice is not a reflection of your failure.

There comes a point where faith becomes personal. Where what they have seen must become what they choose. Your responsibility was never to control the outcome. It was to be faithful in the teaching, the showing, and the loving.

Because even if they walk away for a season… it’s still there.

What was planted doesn’t disappear. The prayers, the Word, the example—it all remains.

Proverbs 22:6 reminds us,

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

That doesn’t mean there won’t be seasons of wandering, but it does mean what was planted has a way of calling them back.

So we don’t give up.

We keep praying. We keep loving. We keep trusting God with what we cannot control. Because He cares for their soul even more than we do, and He knows how to reach them in ways we never could.

The Kind of Faith That Speaks Without Words (A Mother’s Faith in Action)

All of this comes back to a simple truth.

This kind of faith doesn’t have to be loud, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It simply has to be real.

It’s the kind of faith that shows up in the middle of an ordinary day—the kind that chooses patience when you’re stretched thin, grace when you’re frustrated, and prayer when you don’t have the words.

What your children see consistently will shape what they believe deeply. Not just what you say on your best days, but what you do on your hardest ones.

Because they are watching how you handle pressure, how you respond when things don’t go as planned, and what you turn to when life feels overwhelming.

And it doesn’t stop inside your home—people are watching your life too.

Not for perfection, but for something different. Something steady. Something real.

A faith that doesn’t just speak when it’s easy… but lives even when it’s hard.

A Gentle Reminder

So if you’ve been wondering if what you’re doing matters… it does.

You don’t have to do this perfectly, and you don’t have to have all the answers. You simply have to remain faithful—to pray, to show up, and to live a life that reflects Him in the smallest moments.

Proverbs 31:28 says,

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed…”

That kind of fruit doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from a life faithfully lived before the Lord.

Because the faith you are living today is planting something for tomorrow, and God is faithful to grow what you’ve been sowing.

Even on the days you feel unseen, Heaven sees every seed you’re sowing. And in His timing, He is faithful to bring growth in ways you may not even realize yet.

If this encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with another mom who may need it today.

And if you’re not already part of our Stay Rooted emails, I’d love for you to join us for weekly encouragement.

You can also find more encouragement just like this by visiting the Encouragement tab on the blog.

And remember… I’m always praying for you—even if I don’t know who you are.

The Seed That Doesn’t Look Like Much

Imagine someone handing you a tiny seed and asking you to take care of it.

It doesn’t look like much. It’s small and easy to overlook. If you dropped it, you might never find it again. But that small seed holds the potential to become something far greater than what you can see in the moment.

If you water it, protect it, and tend to it, it grows. But if you ignore it because it seems too small to matter, that potential is lost before it ever has the chance to develop.

Our walk with God often looks the same way. We can be so focused on the big moments that we forget God is watching how we handle the small ones.

Faithfulness Starts Small

Jesus makes this clear in Luke 16:10:

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much."

At first glance, that verse sounds simple. But when you really sit with it, it shifts how you see your everyday life.

Faithfulness is not proven when everything is big and visible. It is revealed in the quiet places where no one else is watching.

This reminds me of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30. One servant was given five talents, another two, and another just one. The ones who used what they were given were trusted with more, but the servant who hid his talent out of fear lost even what he had.

The point was never how much they started with. The point was what they did with what they had been given.

And the same is true for us. God is not asking us to compare our lives to someone else’s. He is asking us to be faithful with what He has placed in our hands.

Where Faithfulness Is Formed

Most of life is made up of ordinary moments.

Small responsibilities, small acts of obedience, and small decisions that no one else sees are where faithfulness begins to take root. It’s waking up tired and still choosing to pray. It’s showing kindness when you’re frustrated. It’s continuing to serve even when you feel unnoticed.

Those moments may not look significant, but they matter deeply to God because they are the places where character is formed.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God often prepares people quietly before He entrusts them with more. David was tending sheep long before he faced Goliath. Joseph was faithful in a prison cell before he ruled in Egypt. The disciples followed Jesus in ordinary, daily life before they ever stood before crowds.

Faithfulness grows in the ordinary places, and that means the small things in your life right now are not wasted.

What Faithfulness Looks Like in Real Life

Faithfulness shows up in ways we might not always notice.

It can look like returning extra change to a cashier when no one would know if you kept it. It can look like choosing patience when someone speaks harshly to you, even when you are already having a difficult day. It can look like choosing integrity when it would be easier to cut a corner.

These are the moments that feel small, but they are the very places where faithfulness is developed.

Something I have learned over the years is that a consistent prayer life changes how we respond in those moments. When we spend time with the Lord, He shapes our hearts, steadies our emotions, and reminds us who we represent.

Faithfulness is not just lived out on Sunday morning. It is lived out on Tuesday afternoon in the middle of a grocery store, in conversations at home, and in the quiet choices we make throughout the day.

Faithfulness in the House of God

Another part of faithfulness that often gets overlooked is simply being in the house of God.

There are real seasons when life makes it difficult, and that is understood. But when we are able, being present matters more than we sometimes realize.

There is something strengthening about gathering with other believers, hearing the Word, and worshiping together. Many times we walk into church tired or distracted and leave encouraged and refreshed.

That is why mid-week services can be such a gift. They act as a reset, helping steady our hearts and giving us strength to keep walking faithfully through the rest of the week.

Faithfulness often looks like simply showing up and placing ourselves where God can speak to us.

The Roots You Cannot See

So much of what God is doing in our lives happens beneath the surface.

It looks like continuing to pray for your family even when you do not see change yet. It looks like raising your children to love the Lord in the middle of long and exhausting days. It looks like serving faithfully even when no one seems to notice.

Those moments may not look impressive to the world, but they matter deeply in the Kingdom of God. They are the places where trust is formed and where faithfulness grows strong roots.

Just like a seed develops underground before anything is visible above the surface, God often works in quiet places before He brings visible growth.

One Faithful Step at a Time

Life can feel overwhelming at times. Responsibilities pile up, emotions run high, and it can feel like you are just trying to keep your head above water.

But walking with God does not happen all at once. It happens one faithful step at a time.

We are not called to rush spiritual growth. Just like a child grows over time, our faith develops step by step. Many of those steps happen in ordinary moments where we simply choose to be faithful.

A Gentle Reminder

If your life feels ordinary right now… if your faithfulness feels quiet… if you wonder whether the small things really matter…

Remember this.

God sees every faithful step. Nothing done for Him is ever wasted. The small acts of obedience you make today are building something far stronger than you may realize.

You do not have to do something big to be faithful. Start with what is right in front of you. Choose honesty, choose kindness, choose prayer, and choose to keep showing up where God is working in your life.

Those small choices, day after day, are how a faithful life is built.

Let’s Stay Connected

If this message encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need the same reminder.

If you would like weekly encouragement like this, you can join the Stay Rooted email where I send faith-filled encouragement straight to your inbox to help you stay grounded in God’s Word even when life feels chaotic.

And remember… I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.

When Obedience Meets Resistance

Living for God is not always easy.

Not because He stops being faithful. Not because His Word stops being true. But because obedience often runs straight into resistance.

That’s exactly what we see in the book of Haggai.

God’s people had returned from exile just like He asked them to. They began rebuilding the temple. They were doing what they were supposed to do.

But then opposition came.

Fear crept in. Discouragement followed. And slowly, almost without noticing it, the work stopped.

The Subtle Shift

What makes this story so relatable is that they didn’t turn away from God completely.

They simply shifted their focus.

Instead of continuing the work, they turned inward. They focused on their homes, their comfort, and their sense of stability. They told themselves, “The time has not come.”

Not never… just not now.

And if we’re being honest, that’s where many of us find ourselves.

When things get hard, when resistance feels heavy, it becomes easier to focus on what feels manageable… our routines, our responsibilities, the things we can control.

There’s nothing wrong with caring for your home or your family. God never rebuked them for that.

The issue was priority.

God’s house was neglected while personal comfort was protected.

“Consider Your Ways”

One of the most powerful moments in Haggai is when God speaks to His people and simply says, “Consider your ways.”

He wasn’t yelling. He wasn’t condemning. He was calling them to pause and look honestly at where their time, energy, and focus had gone.

And that same question applies to us today.

Where has resistance caused us to pull back?

Where has fear quietly redirected our focus?

Where have we labeled something as “waiting on God” when it may actually be retreat?

When Tiredness Shifts Our Focus

One of the hardest parts of walking with God is learning how to stay focused when we’re tired.

Because tiredness doesn’t just affect our bodies… it affects our perspective.

When we’re weary, we become more vulnerable to distraction, more drawn to comfort, and more likely to choose what feels safe over what requires faith.

And the enemy doesn’t always try to pull us into obvious sin.

Sometimes he simply tries to wear us down.

He presses on our schedules, our finances, our families, and our peace until obedience starts to feel overwhelming.

God’s Answer to Fear

God’s response in Haggai is simple, but powerful:

“My Spirit remains among you. Fear ye not.” — Haggai 2:4–5 (KJV)

God wasn’t asking them to rebuild in their own strength. He was reminding them that His presence had never left.

And the same is true for us.

We are not called to carry the weight of obedience alone. We are called to trust the One who is with us.

Choosing Kingdom Over Comfort

There’s a tension here that we all feel… the pull toward comfort and the call toward obedience.

The desire for stability… and the invitation to trust God fully.

Jesus made it clear that Kingdom work would require something from us. Not just when it’s easy. Not just when it fits into our schedule. But even when it stretches us.

Because what God is building is always greater than what we would build on our own.

The Promise That Keeps Us Moving

God gives His people a promise in Haggai that still speaks today:

“The latter glory of this house shall be greater than of the former…” — Haggai 2:9 (KJV)

In other words… what He is doing now will be greater than what has been.

But it requires something from us.

It requires that we keep going, that we don’t retreat when it gets hard, and that we don’t trade obedience for comfort.

A Gentle Heart Check

If this stirred something in you, take a moment to sit with the Lord.

Not in guilt. Not in pressure. But in honesty.

Ask Him to show you where your focus has been. Ask Him to help you discern the difference between rest and retreat.

Because sometimes obedience looks like slowing down… and sometimes it looks like pressing through.

And learning the difference is where growth happens.

Let’s Stay Connected

If this post encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who may need it too.

If you’d like weekly encouragement like this, you can join the Stay Rooted email list. It’s a simple way to stay grounded in truth right in the middle of everyday life.

And remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.

Stop Fighting Spiritual Battles with Carnal Tools

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;"
2 Corinthians 10:4

Paul was blunt. He was telling believers to quit trying to handle spiritual warfare with natural ability.

When something goes wrong, especially as women, we think we can fix it. We manage it, talk it through, reorganize, confront, research, and plan.

But if the root is spiritual, no amount of carnal effort will dismantle it.

A stronghold is not just a bad situation. It is a fortified mindset. A pattern of thinking that resists truth. A spiritual resistance that keeps people bound.

Strongholds are not removed because we tried harder. They are pulled down through prayer that aligns with the authority of God.

And Jesus made this even clearer.

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 17:21

There are “kinds” that will not move because you prayed once. There are “kinds” that will not shift because you were frustrated. There are “kinds” that require consecration.

Prayer and fasting are not dramatic gestures. They are surrender. They are alignment. They are warfare.

The Spirit Searches Deep

"But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."
1 Corinthians 2:10

If the Spirit searches the deep things of God, then surface Christianity will not sustain us.

We cannot build our relationship with God around convenience. We cannot approach Him only when something feels urgent. We cannot expect deep breakthrough with shallow devotion.

Going deep requires time. Going deep requires surrender. Going deep requires honesty.

And going deep can be painful.

It is painful because when we ask God to search us, He does not only point out the enemy. He points out us.

He exposes pride. He reveals motives. He refines character.

But strongholds are broken in deep places, not shallow ones.

Daniel and Intercessory Prayer

This is where Daniel becomes central.

Daniel understood Jeremiah’s prophecy. Seventy years of captivity were ending. The timeline had been spoken. The promise had been declared.

But there was no visible shift.

Daniel could have said, “God promised it. He will handle it.” And then went on his merry way.

Instead, Daniel 9:3 says:

"And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting..."

Notice what he did not do.

He did not complain about leadership. He did not blame Babylon. He did not grow cynical in the waiting.

He set his face.

Setting his face means he became intentional. Focused. Unmoved.

Then he confessed.

Daniel 9 is not a soft prayer. It is repentance on behalf of a nation. “We have sinned.” “We have done wickedly.” He included himself in the confession even though Scripture does not record Daniel personally falling into the same sins.

That is intercessory prayer.

He stood in the gap.

Verse 13 says even though judgment had come, they had not made their prayer before the Lord.

"...yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth."

That is sobering.

Sometimes we want the promise fulfilled more than we want to repent. Sometimes we want breakthrough more than we want refinement.

Daniel understood something crucial.

The prophecy was spoken. But the fulfillment was partnered with prayer.

When God is preparing to fulfill a promise, He often moves His people into deeper prayer.

And Daniel 10 pulls the curtain back even further.

In Daniel 10:12-13, the angel tells Daniel:

"Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia."

There are two things happening in those verses.

First, heaven heard immediately. From the first day Daniel humbled himself, God responded. There was no delay in God’s awareness. There was no hesitation in His willingness to act.

Second, there was resistance in the spiritual realm. The answer was opposed. What God had released encountered conflict before it manifested.

Daniel did not know any of this while he was praying.

He only knew that he had set his heart to seek God and that the breakthrough had not yet appeared.

This reframes how we understand delay.

Delay does not automatically mean disobedience. Delay does not automatically mean God said no. Sometimes delay means there is a battle we cannot see.

Intercessory prayer is not only about asking. It is about persevering when you do not yet see movement.

Daniel continued in humility and fasting. He did not abandon his posture because the answer was not immediate.

And when the resistance was broken, the message came.

Do Not Settle in the Wilderness

Just like Israel in the wilderness, we often find ourselves standing between promise and possession.

Numbers 13:2 — God said He had given them the land. But by verse 27, the report shifted the atmosphere. Oh, they saw the fruit, but other things looked greater. Giants. Walls. Fear. (Verse 28).

The promise did not change. The people’s perspective did.

Isaiah 55:2 asks why we spend ourselves on what does not satisfy.

"Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food."

Why settle for wilderness living when God has promised more?

Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary. In due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

But perseverance is not passive.

Jeremiah 29:11 gives the promise. Jeremiah 29:12 gives the response.

"Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you."

Call on Him. Pray to Him. Seek Him with all your heart.

The promise was spoken. Intercessory prayer activated it.

When You Do Not Know What to Pray

There will be moments when you feel overwhelmed by the weight of it all.

You may not even know how to form the words.

Romans 8:26 reminds us,

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

Even when you do not have language, you are not powerless.

The Spirit intercedes.

That should stir us, NOT make us passive.

If heaven is interceding, how much more should we?

This Is the Axis of Intercessory Prayer

An axis is the fixed point everything rotates around.

For the church. For families. For leaders.

Prayer and fasting must be the axis.

Not emotion. Not offense. Not reaction.

Prayer.

And I want to speak to the lay members for a moment. Your pastor and your pastor’s family cannot do this alone.

They can preach. They can counsel. They can show up when people are hurting. They can carry responsibility that few people see.

But spiritual warfare is not fought by one family.

If you love your church, back your pastor in prayer. Do not just critique what you do not understand. Cover what you do understand. Ask the Lord to strengthen them, protect their home, guard their minds, and keep their spirits clean.

When the church prays together, the church stands together.

Things may not unfold exactly as we plan. Circumstances may not resolve neatly. But will we still sit at His feet? Will we still praise Him? Will we still fight spiritually?

Or will we give up and react in the flesh?

This is not about hype. It is about holiness. It is about refusing to allow the enemy to gain ground because we were distracted.

I am not writing this lightly. I am writing this because I feel the urgency of it.

Daniel did not wait quietly. He set his face.

So must we.

And if you are weary, hear Galatians 6:9 again.

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

The promise God has given will come, but in His time.

Do not grow weary. Do not loosen your grip. Do not quit in the waiting.

If this stirred something in you, do not dismiss it.

If you are a pastor’s wife, I am praying strength over you. I am praying clarity, courage, and clean hands in the middle of the fight.

If you are a lay member, this is your moment to rise. Your prayers matter more than you realize. Your faithfulness matters. Your intercession matters.

And if you feel like you have been waiting on a promise for a long time, I want you to know you are not forgotten. Keep seeking. Keep standing. Keep praying.

Do not leave this as inspiration. Turn it into action.

Set aside time. Fast in whatever way the Lord leads. Intercede for your home. Intercede for your church. Intercede for your own heart.

Do not settle. Do not faint. Do not react in the flesh.

Set your face.

And let prayer become the axis again.

If this message resonates with you and you want continued encouragement like this, you can explore more faith-based encouragement here on the blog in the Encouragement category.

You can also join our Stay Rooted weekly email where I share Scripture, practical application, and reminders to stay grounded when life feels heavy. I would love to have you there.

You can find more encouragement like this here on the blog under our Encouragement category!

And remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.

Beautiful Feet and Readiness to Go

There’s a reason Scripture places so much emphasis on our feet.

Our feet represent movement. Direction. Obedience. They tell the story of where we’re willing to go — and whether we’re prepared to get there.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation…”
Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

This verse has always stirred my heart, but recently it’s taken on deeper meaning. Beautiful feet aren’t about appearance — they’re about purpose. They belong to people who are willing to carry the good news wherever God sends them.

Paul echoes that same truth when he writes:

“How can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
Romans 10:15 (NIV)

And then Luke reminds us that this journey isn’t reckless or rushed — it’s guided:

“…to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 1:79 (NIV)

Those verses began turning over in my heart because they all point to the same truth: God cares deeply about where our feet are headed — and whether they’re ready to go.

Standing Firm Requires the Right Fit

Now, you wouldn’t go walking — let alone running — in a pair of high heels and expect to get very far. You’d lace up a good pair of tennis shoes instead. Not because they’re flashy, but because they’re designed to support you, steady you, and help you get the most out of what you’re doing.

That choice isn’t accidental. You choose the right shoes based on where you’re going and what you’re about to face. The wrong shoes might look fine at first, but they won’t carry you very far — and they certainly won’t help you stand firm when the ground gets uneven.

Scripture reminds us that our spiritual walk requires that same kind of intentional preparation.

Scripture tells us:

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”
Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)

And then it continues:

“And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15 (NIV)

That word fitted caught my attention in a deeper way.

The Greek word used here for readiness speaks of firm footing — a foundation that allows you to stand, move, and walk with confidence. Just like proper shoes.

If your shoes don’t fit, you won’t walk far. You’ll stumble. You’ll be distracted. You’ll constantly be aware of the discomfort instead of where you’re going.Prefer to listen? You can hear this encouragement here:

Prefer to listen? You can hear this encouragement here:

Standing Firm Requires Readiness and the Right Fit

The verse right before our key Scripture tells us to stand firm. That matters.

Standing firm doesn’t mean standing still. It means being anchored — steady enough that when God says go, we’re not knocked off balance by fear or doubt.

Being fitted with the gospel of peace prepares our feet, and being ready prepares our heart.

The word translated readiness in Ephesians 6:15 comes from the Greek hetoimasia, meaning foundation, firm footing, preparation, readiness. It carries the idea of something that has been made ready ahead of time — not rushed, not thrown together, but intentionally prepared.

That depth matters.

One commentary that deeply spoke to me explained it this way:

The Gospel brings peace in the deepest sense of that word — primarily peace with God — from which all other kinds of tranquility flow. But what is striking is that this peace appears in the middle of a picture of battle. The Gospel brings us peace first, and then says, “Now, having peace in your heart because you have peace with God, go out and fight to keep it.” There is no real peace that does not include conflict, and the Gospel is the Gospel of peace precisely because it enlists us in Christ’s army and sends us out to fight His battles.

MacLaren’s Expositions

That truth reframes everything.

Peace doesn’t remove the battle — it positions us for it.

That kind of readiness doesn’t come from having all the right words memorized or feeling confident all the time. It comes from time spent with the Lord — prayer that softens our hearts, fasting that sharpens our spiritual focus, and digging deeper into His Word until truth becomes louder than the lies.

Because the enemy loves to sneak in with doubt. He whispers that we’re not enough, that we don’t know enough, that someone else would be better suited. But when we’ve been with God — when we’ve stood firm in Him — those lies don’t hold the same power.

Readiness says, I may feel weak, but I am willing.

And God can work with willing.

When Fear Meets Calling

I’ll be honest — and this still isn’t easy to admit.

I was raised a pastor’s kid, and now I’m a pastor’s wife. I’ve been around Scripture, church, and ministry my entire life — and yet I still wrestle with fear when it comes to witnessing.

I’ve never felt like I knew enough. Even now, I find myself praying that God would put the words in my mouth when the moment comes.

Yet, that familiar whisper still creeps in: 

You’re not enough.
You don’t know enough.
Someone else could do this better.

It’s a battle I’ve faced for as long as I can remember — not because I don’t love the Lord, but because the enemy knows exactly where to press. He uses familiarity to breed doubt and responsibility to stir fear.

But God gently reminds me:

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

In moments like this, I’m reminded that God has always met His servants right in the middle of their fear.

Jeremiah felt it. He didn’t believe he had the words — and yet Scripture tells us:

“Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, ‘I have put my words in your mouth.’” 
Jeremiah 1:9 (NIV)

Moses did the same thing. He questioned his ability, his speech, his adequacy — and still God called him forward, promising to go with him and speak through him.

God has never asked us to rely on our own strength or our own words. He has always promised to walk us through what He calls us to.

And in our weakness, His strength is still enough.

Readiness for Where God Is Sending You

This verse isn’t new to me. But its depth is.

If your feet are fitted properly, they’ll take you places you’ve never been before. You’ll walk with confidence. You’ll feel prepared. You’ll sense calm instead of panic when the moment comes to speak truth.

We are called to reach the lost — not just with our words, but with our lives. To live the same in private as we do in public. To be a light.

Jesus said:

“Go therefore and teach all nations…”
Matthew 28:19–20

That calling applies to every believer — including me… and you.

Peace… In the Middle of the Fight

What continues to settle in my spirit is this truth: the gospel of peace doesn’t remove the battle — it changes how we step into it.

We don’t put on the gospel of peace so we can retreat or stay comfortable. We put it on so we can move forward without losing our footing.

Peace with God steadies us. It quiets the chaos inside long enough for us to hear His direction and obey, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.

That kind of peace doesn’t come from avoiding conflict — it comes from trusting the One who walks with us through it.

A Simple Prayer from My Heart

Before you move on today, I want to invite you to pause for just a moment — right where you are.

You may not feel ready. You may feel uncertain, hesitant, or even afraid. But God knows exactly where your feet are today, and He knows where He’s leading you next.

If it helps, make this prayer your own:

Lord, lead me. Keep my feet ready. Fit me with the gospel of peace. Send me where You desire — and give me the courage to go.

I don’t want to be unfruitful. I want to walk faithfully. Help me trust You even when fear tries to slow me down.

May my feet be ready to carry Your truth wherever You send me.

Amen.

If this encouragement met you right where you are, I want you to know — this is exactly why Makin’ Macon exists.

Through Stay Rooted, I send weekly encouragement straight to your inbox — simple reminders to slow down, stay grounded in God’s Word, and keep walking faithfully even when life feels overwhelming. It’s a space for Scripture, reflection, and grace-filled truth for the season you’re in.

You can also explore more encouragement here on the blog — from faith-filled reflections to everyday reminders that you’re not walking this journey alone.

No pressure. No perfection required.

Just an open invitation to stay rooted, keep moving forward, and trust God with every step.

We’re learning, growing, and taking steps of faith together — one fitted step at a time.

Remember, I’m always praying for you — even if I don’t know who you are.

When Opposition Redirects Our Focus

God did not ignore what had happened.

In His rebuke, He pointed directly to the result of their choices. They planted much but harvested little. They ate but were never satisfied. They drank but were still thirsty. They clothed themselves but were never warm. And the money they earned seemed to disappear—as if their purses had holes in them. (Haggai 1:6)

That part stopped me in my tracks.

Oh, how I have felt that.

I’ve wondered what I was doing wrong. Why it felt like I was working so hard but never quite seeing the fruit. Why things felt off—spiritually, emotionally, even practically. But Haggai 1:9 brings clarity:

They were busy with their house, not God’s.

Yes, opposition started the slowdown—but instead of returning to God’s work once the fear set in, they poured their energy into themselves. The focus shifted from spiritual obedience to personal comfort. From God’s glory to their own.

Obedience Restarted—And Then Doubt

Once the people heard the rebuke of the Lord, they responded. They recognized their error and began rebuilding the temple as they should have all along.

But obedience did not instantly remove discouragement.

Doubt followed.

The new temple didn’t look like the old one. It wasn’t as grand. It didn’t seem as impressive. Comparison crept in, and with it, disappointment. (Haggai 2:3)

More than once, God spoke words they desperately needed to hear:

“Be strong… My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” (Haggai 2:4-5)

That reassurance matters.

God did not deny the opposition. He didn’t pretend the work was easy. Instead, He reminded them that His presence had not left just because the work felt harder.

The Question I’m Asking Myself

This is the part I’m still praying through.

Have I truly shifted my focus?

Am I building God’s Kingdom—or am I pouring my energy into my own house while telling myself “it’s just not the right time”?

I want my life to reflect that I am working on God’s Kingdom—His temple, His work, His people—not my own platform, comfort, or sense of control.

Haggai 2:6 says:

“In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.”

And Haggai 2:9 follows with a promise that makes my heart ache in the best way:

“The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house.”

Kingdom Minded

This is where the Lord has been dealing with me most personally.

In a season of prayer, when I was wrestling through weariness, discouragement, and questions about fruit, the Lord impressed one phrase on my heart—simple, but weighty:

Kingdom Minded.

Not comfort-minded. Not schedule-minded. Not survival-minded.

Kingdom Minded.

It was a gentle but firm reminder that the call has not changed. The work has not shifted. God is still building His house—and He is still inviting His people to take part in it.

This Is What I’m Ready to See

This—this—is what I want to see.

I don’t want to build my own kingdom. I want to build His house.

I’m tired.

I’m tired of seeing the same things over and over. I’m tired of empty pews. I’m tired of watching people walk in and leave unchanged.

We have felt the presence of God in so many services, and I am deeply grateful for that. But I still ask the hard questions:

Where are we missing it?

Where are we missing bringing souls into God’s house?

Psalm 127:1 keeps ringing in my spirit:

“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”

A Pastor’s Wife Perspective

There is so much here, and I know I can’t unpack it all in one post.

God has been incredibly good to me and my family—but I have to ask myself where my focus has truly been. Has it been centered on comfort and survival? Or has it been on the souls that are still in need?

This isn’t your average blog post.

Honestly, it may be meant to encourage me just as much as anyone reading it.

Maybe you aren’t walking through this in your church. Maybe you are. Maybe this resonates because you’re a pastor’s wife. Or maybe you’re simply someone trying to move forward in obedience while facing resistance at every turn.

The Lord began dealing with me about these Scriptures over three months ago. Since then, it feels like opposition has increased—not decreased. Pushback from every direction.

Scriptures I’m Holding Onto

These are verses I’m keeping close—verses we need ready and active in our hearts:

• “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33
• “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” — Romans 12:2
• “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2
• “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” — Philippians 4:8
• “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15

A Real-Life Reminder to Be Still

At a recent doctor’s appointment, he looked at me and said, “Susan, you need to slow down.”

I nodded politely, but inside I was thinking, Slow down? With what calendar? With what margin?

Still, his words stayed with me.

And not just his words, but it’s something the Lord has been dealing with me about during this time of perimenopause. I feel like I’m very aware of what’s going on with my body—even if I don’t completely understand it. I did all the research over the last few years trying to prepare myself for what is to come. My situation has been a little different with PCOS and Endometriosis (something many doctors still do not understand to this day). So to sit and be still just didn’t feel right. But I have known—and I think the Lord has pushed me to know—that it is necessary.

That reminder stirred something deeper in me, sending me back to a verse I’ve heard a thousand times—a verse that echoed the same message God has been whispering all along:

"Be still and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10

It didn’t feel like a suggestion. It felt like an invitation.

To stop.
To breathe.
To remember Who holds it all together (hint: it’s not me).

I’ve been learning to listen to that invitation. Not just spiritually—but practically. I’ve started finding little ways to pause the noise and rest my mind:

• Sitting on the floor to play with my son—even when I have a million things to do.
• Soaking my feet in that little foot spa I bought and actually letting myself enjoy it.
• Sipping a hot cup of tea before the day takes off like a freight train.
• Letting my husband take over for a bit when I feel like I’ve hit a wall.

None of it’s fancy. None of it’s perfect. But it’s intentional.

And that’s the point.

What “Be Still” Really Means

When we hear “Be still and know that I am God,” it’s easy to think it means to simply pause and trust. And while that’s part of it, the Hebrew behind “be still” (raphah) actually means to let go, to release your grip, to stop striving.

It’s not passive—it’s active surrender.

It’s me unclenching my hands, loosening my shoulders, and saying, “Okay, God. I’m not holding this together—you are.”

That changes how I sit with this verse. It means I don’t just sit still—I surrender. I let go of the need to be perfect. I let go of my jam-packed schedule. I let go of the guilt for needing rest. And I make space to know—really know—that He is God and I am not.

Why Learning to Be Still Matters

If you’ve been feeling overstimulated, stretched thin, or emotionally drained—can I encourage you?

You’re allowed to pause.
You’re allowed to breathe.
You’re allowed to rest.

And not because everything is done. Not because your world is perfectly in order. But because God didn’t ask you to carry it all. He asked you to trust Him.

Sometimes trusting Him looks like moving forward in faith.
Other times? It looks like sitting down and letting Him carry you.

You don’t have to earn rest.
You don’t have to justify it.
You just have to say yes to the invitation.

Be still. Breathe. He’s already working.

Want More Encouragement?

If this post spoke to you today, you can listen to the full podcast episode here:
 Episode 7: Be Still & Breathe

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You’re not alone in this, friend.
And even on the days when it feels like too much—

God is still enough.

Remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.