Tug-of-War With a Fig Tree Branch

Alive Youth Church Weekly,

Sometimes it takes hearing something more than once for it to really sink in.

I’ve learned that in church even more than in everyday life. Think about it, how many times have we heard the same scriptures and similar messages in church? I can hear exactly what I need to hear, but unless the Lord is working in my heart before and during, it won’t truly be received. It won’t take root.

As a youth pastor, that reality can feel discouraging.

Because sometimes it feels like I’m pouring out everything I have to a message for the students, but speaking to deaf ears. Like it's the exact answer to a problem, but nothing gets solved. 

But I think this can also be deeply relieving.

Because it reminds us that our job is not to force transformation. Our job is to be faithful. Our job is to preach the truth, love students well, and trust God to do what only He can do. He is working, in His plan, in His timing, for His glory. We are simply called to trust Him and obey Him.

So all of that is to say: I’m going to repeat myself this week.

I preached a message this past Sunday that I truly believe God placed on my heart for the students of Alive Youth Church. And as I write this, the very next day, that message is still ringing in my ears. So I’m trusting that God is not finished with it yet.

Maybe someone needs to hear it one more time.
Maybe someone has been wrestling with it ever since Sunday.
Maybe someone was distracted and missed what God was trying to say.
Maybe this is God’s way of reminding you: This message is for you.

So if this sounds repetitive, so be it. I’d rather repeat what God is saying than move on too quickly.

Students,

If you just sinned and are feeling the weight of it, read this:

If you regret it, but at the same time still crave it…

If you feel like you can’t go to church, can’t pray, can’t come to God because He must be angry with you…

If you feel ashamed, dirty, exhausted, or stuck…

If you feel like you’re living in the middle of a tug-of-war between God and the world…

Then this is for you.

Because many of you know exactly what that feels like.

On one side, you know what God wants for you. Deep down, you know His way is better. You know His path leads to life, peace, and fruitfulness.

But on the other side, sin keeps pulling.

It entices.
It promises satisfaction.
It whispers lies.
And even though you know where it leads, part of you still wants it.

And living in that tension for too long will wear you down.

It leaves you exhausted.
Anxious.
Spiritually numb.
Mentally drained.

Eventually, trying to live for both God and the world will tear you apart.

There’s an old saying:

“What dog are you feeding? The one you feed grows stronger. The one you starve grows weaker.”

So ask yourself honestly:

Are you feeding your sinful nature, or your spiritual life?

Which one do you want to be stronger?

What I have noticed too often is people trying to feed both.

Trying to follow Jesus while still feeding the flesh.
Trying to love God while still clinging to sin.
Trying to walk in the Spirit while constantly entertaining what is pulling them away from Him.

And eventually, something has to give. Eventually, the rope will break, tearing you apart.

“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh…”

- Galatians 5:17

There is a war happening inside of you.
And you cannot win that war by pretending it isn’t there. 

And you definitely can't win by fighting for both sides.

In Mark 11, Jesus approaches a fig tree full of leaves.

From a distance, it looked healthy.
It looked fruitful.
It looked alive.

But when Jesus got close, He found only leaves and no fruit.

So what does Jesus do?

He cursed the tree.

But why?

Because it had the appearance of life without the substance of life.
It looked healthy, but it was empty.

And that story is a warning for all of us. And may I add, it's an important warning.

You can look spiritual on the outside.
You can raise your hands in worship.
You can know the church language.
You can post the verses on social media.
You can attend youth group every week.

And still be spiritually empty.

Jesus is not impressed by appearances.

He is not after fake fruit.
He is not interested in performance.
He wants genuine transformation.

God would rather have your repentance than your performance.

You don't have to stay stuck.

So...
If you are tired of the tug-of-war…
If you are tired of pretending…
If you are tired of looking alive while feeling spiritually dead…

You can be free.

Not because you are strong enough.
Not because you can fix yourself.
Not because you finally get your act together and pretend fruitfulness.

But because Jesus already fought this battle and finished it at the cross.

He paid for your sin in full.
He defeated shame.
He made freedom available to you.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

- Romans 8:1

So come to Him.

Not after you clean yourself up.
Not when you finally feel worthy.

Come now.

If you relate to any of this today. If you want freedom from the tug of war battle, or the lie of fake appearances.

Pray this with me:

Lord,
I am sorry for allowing my sinful nature to take control.
I am sorry for trying to fake perfection, fake fruit, and put on a show for others.
Forgive me. Wash me clean. Renew my spirit and my life.

You are my Savior, my loving Father, and I place my trust in You.
Thank you for paying the price for my sin on the cross.

I cannot do this on my own. I need your help.
Today I choose You.
Help me turn from my sinful nature.
I am tired of being pulled back and forth.
I am tired of carrying shame.

Fill me instead with the fruit of Your Spirit
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Today I choose You over everything else.

Amen.

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

- Galatians 5:1

You are free, so stay free.

This is such an important thing to remember.

You are a new creation.
You have a fresh start.
You have a new beginning.

Stay close to Jesus.
Keep feeding the Spirit.
Keep starving what drags you backwards.

Once you are free, don't return to your old life.
Keep Jesus at the center.
And your life will never be the same.

If this is a journey you are on, and you need help. Please reach out. We have leaders in the church who want you to experience the freedom they have seen in themselves. Lets talk, lets be real, lets pursue Jesus together!

You can always reach out on our Instagram (@AliveWSFC), by email (Youth@WSFC.org), or to a leader in person when we gather Sunday mornings at our main services (9am & 10:45am) or at AYC Sunday nights (6:30pm).

We want to hear from you!

Isaac Fehlen

Youth Pastor