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“Now I want you to know brothers that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as among the rest of the Gentiles.”  Romans 1:13 (HCSB)

Just the thought of Spring wets my appetite. I love fresh veggies and fruit.  Strawberries, blueberries, melons, peaches, apples  – I want them all.  Nothing is sweeter than fruit from the vine.  Untouched organic delivers a flavor like no other.  Picked too early – unripe not so good. Picked too late – overripe not so good.  Picked at just the right time – delish – fruitful abundance.   The trees know exactly when to produce.  The farmers know precisely when to harvest.  And we sweet friend know exactly when to eat.

Love these words from Paul reminding us of God’s timing.  Love his honesty in learning to patiently lay aside his plans for God’s plans. Don’t know that I am so good at that.  I’m either rushing ahead or lagging behind.  But Paul has learned the lesson of waiting until God says go.  Wouldn’t it serve us all well to do the same.  I see what I want and I fix my eyes on it. I see what I feel I should achieve and press toward it. I resist the wait because time is slipping through my fingers – yet Paul reminds us the better way is found in the wait.

Just like the luscious sweetness of fruit ripe on the vine, God knows the sweetness of fruitfulness in our lives.  He is fitting all the pieces together, one by one, weaving us into His perfect plan.  Setting the stage as only He can do. Preparing us for using our gifts.  Opening hearts to receive our gifts.  Maximizing the days until He says go and fruitful abundance unfolds one step a time.

Wondering how we navigate this hold back, waiting to be more fruitful?  No deep theological unpacking here – just simply drawing close and staying connected to the vine.  The one who stays connected to God produces much fruit because they follow God’s agenda.  Like Paul, they lay down the “plan” and embrace the ultimate “planner.”  They learn the wait, they accept the time and the remain faithfully preparing for the moment God says go.

“Sweet Jesus, we get so lost in our own way.  Help us to listen, prepare and wait so we will flourish and produce abundant fruit for your glory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life