How to Nurture the Fruit of the Spirit (Even When Life Feels Dry)

If you’ve ever read Galatians 5 and longed to see more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in your life—this conversation is for you. Whether you’re in a dry season spiritually or just wondering how to stay rooted in Christ when life gets overwhelming, you’ll be encouraged by this honest and hope-filled conversation.

In this episode, host Ellen Krause (our very own Mentor Mama!) chats with author and Bible teacher Ava Pennington about how to truly flourish in the fruit of the Spirit—not by striving harder, but by surrendering to the work of the Holy Spirit.

Ava’s wisdom comes both from her knowledge of Scripture and from her own journey, especially her struggle with anxiety and control. With this combination of knowledge and experience, she gives us a fresh perspective on how to view spiritual growth.

Let’s dive into the top takeaways from the conversation and discover how to cultivate spiritual fruit in practical, grace-filled ways.

Key Takeaway #1: Fruitfulness Starts with Surrender, Not Striving

“You trust me for eternity—can you not trust me for the next five minutes?”

Ava Pennington

Ava shared her personal battle with anxiety during a season when she was leading Bible studies, sharing about Jesus publicly, and receiving praise.

Behind closed doors, however, she was quietly unraveling.

In this time of external strength and interior struggle, God met her not with shame, but with an invitation: to trust Him—even if it was only for five minutes at a time.

“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”

Ephesians 6:10

1. Surrender is not passive—it’s choosing to trust God minute by minute.
   Surrender isn’t about giving up in defeat; it’s about actively placing your confidence in God, especially when circumstances feel uncertain or overwhelming.
2. The fruit of the Spirit can’t be manufactured through self-effort.
   Trying to produce love, joy, peace, or patience by willpower alone leads to frustration and burnout. True spiritual fruit is the result of abiding in Christ, not striving harder
3. Let the Holy Spirit lead, and rest in His strength.
   Surrender means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions, thoughts, and actions—not just in the big things, but in the everyday moments. It also means resting in His strength, not your own. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s confidence in God’s ability to carry what you can’t.

Key Takeaway #2: God’s Fruit Grows in Community

“A tree doesn’t feed on its own fruit—it produces it to feed others.”

Ava Pennington

The fruit of the Spirit isn’t just for our own benefit. It reflects Christ and blesses others. But when we struggle, the first place we turn is often isolation. Ava encourages believers to seek safe spaces where they can be honest and grow together.

Ava’s Favorite Study Tools:

• BibleGateway.com – Great for comparing translations and exploring commentary.
• BibleHub.com – Ideal for comparing verse translations side-by-side.
• BlueLetterBible.org – Her go-to for original Greek/Hebrew word studies and deep dives.

How to Read the Bible + Free 7 Day Reading Plan

Getting to know the Bible is like getting to know a friend. At first you notice little things—a word, a line, a story. Over time, you start to hear His voice and see what God loves and how He cares for people like us.

Bible Study Tip: Ava includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter in her new book Flourish to help small groups grow together.

1. Encouragement and Support in Faith
   In a healthy church community, believers uplift one another through prayer, shared testimonies, and mutual care—especially during hard times.
   
   “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
2. Accountability for Spiritual Growth
   Community helps keep you spiritually sharp. Others can lovingly challenge you, correct you when needed, and spur you on toward godliness.
   
   “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
3. Opportunities to Use and Grow Your Gifts
   Being part of a spiritual body allows you to serve others and discover how God has uniquely gifted you. This deepens your purpose and connection.
   
   “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27

Key Takeaway #3: Know the Enemy’s Subtle Tactics

“Often, Satan doesn’t attack us frontally—he distracts us through the side door.”

Ava Pennington

Why do we often struggle with consistent joy or lasting peace? Ava explains that Satan’s tactics are often stealthy. He plants doubts, tempts us with distractions, or lures us away from the truth.

Want even more of this conversation? Bonus content is posted every week on the Coffee and Bible Time Community!

1. Saturate Yourself in God’s Word
   Regular and deep engagement with Scripture—both personally and in community—builds spiritual strength and discernment. Knowing God’s truth helps expose lies and distractions.
2. Be Vigilant for Spiritual Bait
   Like James 1:14 warns, temptation often starts with a small, seemingly harmless lure. Being alert to these “side door” distractions helps prevent falling into sin or discouragement.
3. Challenge False Belief
   Regularly ask yourself, “What am I believing that isn’t true?” This helps catch and reject the lies Satan whispers, such as feelings of inadequacy, arrogance, or isolation.
4. Guard Your Time and Emotion
   Avoid emotional exhaustion or busyness that crowds out prayer, worship, and Bible study. Prioritize spiritual disciplines to keep your soul nourished.
5. Stay Connected to a Local Church
   Fellowship provides encouragement, accountability, and shared wisdom, which help resist attacks that try to isolate or discourage you.

Scripture to Cling To

Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV):

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB):

But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Romans 12:2 (NASB):
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 6:10 (ESV):
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Favorite Resources

Ava Pennington’s Book: Flourish
Available October — a practical and theological deep dive into each of the nine facets of the fruit of the Spirit. Includes discussion questions for group study.

📍Find more from Ava: www.avapennington.com

Ava’s favorite Bible study tools:

ESV Journaling Bible | NASB Large Print | Double-Ended Bible Highlighters | Sticky Note Set