The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30
Not all trees standing in a forest are alive. Many dead trees take years to fall over after disease or rot has set in. After it has fallen over, even if you cut into it, it may well be rotten to the core.
But look at a tree that is alive. It produces and produces and produces year after year after year. Cut down a “green” tree and it will take awhile before it becomes suitable to chop up.
If you’ve ever felt like things have not gone well for you in life and in ministry, keep standing. You’re still alive and probably producing life-giving fruit even as you question and second guess what has gone on throughout the years. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing, and God will reap the harvest!