A Lesson from the Olive Tree: It’s Okay if Good Things Take Time

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) 

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The Bible is filled with parables and illustrations rooted in examples we observe in nature.

One such example is found in the olive tree, a sight that would have been familiar to many people living in biblical times. It has been used as an example throughout Scripture (Rom. 11), and its remarkable qualities make it incredibly interesting.

One key characteristic is that it is slow to grow or bear fruit, unlike many other trees, which produce visible fruit rather quickly.

The Crossways Archeology Study Bible describes it as this:

“Olive trees are a long-term investment: they are slow to grow or bear fruit but have extraordinary lifespans. A few living trees have verified ages of more than 2,000 years. Olive trees are highly resistant to disease, drought, and fire and are also very resilient, as new sprouts will emerge from stumps or felled trees.”[1]

During this time, it is growing precisely the way it was created to. Its roots are running deep, and it will grow to be remarkable in resilience. Its lifespan has the potential to survive centuries.

Perhaps there is a lesson here that we can glean from.

If there are things in your life that are taking longer than you expected, or if you feel behind, be encouraged. We were not all made to be the same type of tree.

We grow at different times, and each one of us has unique purposes for which God has created us.

One is not better than the other because it produces fruit faster or has a higher level of resilience. Each serves a particular need. Together, we make up the members of the Body of Christ.

If we occupy ourselves with worry and comparison, we miss out on the beauty of God’s creative design.

So we are free to be faithful in the work before us, wherever we are planted.

And can rest in the truth that He has a purpose for each one of us.

In Christ,