An unexpectedly early, light frost hit southeastern
Wisconsin this year. Unfortunately, we had not been following the weather
forecasts and did not properly prepare our grapevines to avoid the effect of
the frost. The vines were left exposed to the elements that night.
Inspecting the vines after this frost, I found that
some of the grapes had not survived but were now shriveled and brown. These
grapes had been right and had stayed on the vine too long. They had been unable
to survive the adversity brought on by the colder temperatures. Because of
this, these grapes will not make it into the jelly that I will soon prepare.
Also on this vine were several other clusters of
grapes that had not yet fully ripened before that cold evening. These grapes
were still securely connected to the vine, even after the light frost. They were
now turning that deep purple hue then indicates a perfectly ripened concord
grape. Very soon these clusters would also be ready to be plucked from the vine
to nourish others.
The difference between the fruit that rotted and the fruit
that continued maturing with their stage in the ripening process. The fully ripened
grapes were connected to the branch by thin strands. The branch had been preparing
them to be plucked. Those grapes that were not yet ripe were held onto with a
stronger connection to the branch. They still required more of the nourishment
from the branch as they matured.
Gifts, callings and character that have not matured have
a fruitless and even sour effect on others. (See Wait
Until It Is Ripe! (Grapevine Lessons 1) posted Friday 10/23) These same
gifts, callings and character, when they have been properly matured, must then
be put to use. To remain inactive at the end of the growing season results in
uselessness and eventually rottenness.
As branches connected to Jesus Christ, we will find
that the time will come to use all of the abilities that He has placed within
us. God determines the length of the growing season for each gift and calling
in our lives. He also knows when our character has become developed enough to
withstand the adversities that accompany following Him. The same Jesus Christ
who said,
“I am the Vine; you are the branches.
Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart
from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 AMP) also gave many instructions calling His followers to
action. Most notably among these instructions are to love, “I give you a new commandment: that you
should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one
another.” (John 13:34 AMP) and to
go tell others the good news. “And
He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature
[of the whole human race].” (Mark
16:15 AMP)
Followers of
Jesus Christ who shrink back in fear or complacency greatly hinder the work of
God’s kingdom in this earth. We cannot allow insecurity or laziness to prevent
us from stepping out when the time is right. The Lord will provide the strength
and ability for us to use all but He has been developing within us. “He has made everything beautiful in its
time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11a AMP) His
perfect time is never too early, but it is also not too late. We have received
gifts from the Holy Spirit for a purpose. “As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a
gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees
of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers
and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].” (1 Peter 4:10 AMP) God has developed
strengths within us so that we may serve Him and others. “For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to
freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but
through love you should serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13 AMP) We must move when He directs.
Are there things that we have prayed
for and believed to be a part of God’s purpose for our lives? Let us be ever
ready to move at the right time. “For He
says, In the time of favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have
helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is
truly the time for a gracious welcome and
acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2 AMP) We can know when the
time is now by listening to the Holy Spirit. He will direct us as we walk
forward showing us the time and the way. “And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way;
walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.”
(Isaiah 30:21 AMP)
Just as when we are waiting for God’s
timing we can hold on to these promises when the time comes to move. “When you bear (produce) much fruit, My
Father is honored and
glorified, and you show and
prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.” (John 15:8 AMP) We will please Him by stepping forward at His voice. We
can confidently move forward because, “As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all
those who take refuge and put
their trust in Him.” (Psalm 18:30
AMP)
If the Holy Spirit is urging you to use the gifts
and talents you possess, do not hold back. Do not allow any to rot on the vine.
Follow the voice of God and step out today.
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