Wait Until It Is Ripe! (Grapevine Lessons 1)

Climbing up a trellis that spans the side of our garage, is a beautiful grapevine. This is the second year that we have had fruit on the vine to be enjoyed. As the large clusters of grapes formed, they took on a luscious, green appearance. For some reason I could not remember whether our grapevine produced green or concord grapes. I also could not remember the length of the growing season in which our grapes mature. Because of this, I found myself checking every couple weeks to see how the grapes tasted. This was my pathetic method of determining the fruit’s ripeness.
This continual tasting led to several opportunities for the instant pucker of sour grapes. When the full growing season had finally come to an end, our grapes where a deep, luscious purple with an equally rich, sweet flavor. Allowing the fruit to ripen to its term, before plucking it from the vine, would have prevented these episodes of unpleasant tastings.

Jesus Christ 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) It is imperative that we stay connected to Jesus at all times. This is the only way that we can produce fruit that can nourish those around us. This fruit has been placed in us by the Holy Spirit. ^“But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP) As this fruit grows and matures through our connectedness with Jesus, it will ripen to be a sweet blessing to those around us.

Are we ever impatient about what God is doing in our lives? Do we try to pick some of the fruit before its time? God knows the exact time needed for our character to develop into sweet nourishment. He knows exactly when we will be ready to step out new areas. We must not rush it, always remembering, “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) We also have the promise that “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11a AMP)

Circumstances often look right even when they may not be. Although we may have accurately seen God working in our lives, providing growth and preparing us for work that is ahead, we may misinterpret His timing. Often we want to run ahead with that work before the preparation has been completed. So similar in appearance to the sweet, green grapes available at the grocery store, the beautiful grapes on our vine were far from ready. They were not even close to the intended color or taste of maturity. All of the nutritional value was packed within the grape, yet it would not be received because it was not ready. The same can be true of the work of God in believers. We may believe that our lives look just like those of another when we see God using in ways that we aspire to. Yet God has far more developing and mature plant for our lives before we are ready to step out. If we do not wait for the fruit of our character to develop, our actions may be sour.

Patience is critical in the maturing process. Our desire to work for Him is good, but we must be willing to wait for His timing. There is a proper growing season and we cannot rush it. We must wait until the time is right. “I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1 AMP) God will not merely hear your cry but will abundantly respond with all that is needed for growth. “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).” (2 Peter 1:3 AMP) It pleases God to see His children grow to maturity. Jesus tells us, “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)

Do not be in a hurry and rush ahead of God. The results are never good and leave a very unpleasant taste in the mouth of those we had hoped to inspire and help. Allow God to do his complete work in order that we provide all the blessings He has intended.