Chosen & AppointedSample

Bear Fruit What is your favorite type of fruit? Apple? Banana? Maybe kiwi? When most people think of fruit, we think about the end product. Going to the store, buying and then eating it. But if you have ever worked on an orchard or a farm that grows fruit, you know that the process of producing fruit is a long and grueling task! An apple tree can take up to ten years from seed to when you first see fruit. The original hearers of the Bible would know that producing fruit is a long, hard task that requires commitment. It requires patience while waiting for the fruit to come and then ripen. John 15:16 says that we have been chosen to “produce lasting fruit.” This verse is pointing to our call to impact our world for God. The, “lasting fruit,” Jesus was talking about here is the ministry his disciples were about to do; like planting churches, preaching the Gospel, caring for widows, and changing the world for God. You have been chosen to impact your world for God’s cause. But, just like an apple farmer, it will take patience and commitment. There may be days where it doesn’t feel like anything is happening or that you are not making a difference. God is the key and the source for seeing impact. Jesus (using another fruit analogy) says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Be patient, stay close to God and trust His timing! THINK ABOUT IT: Do you find it hard to be patient for God’s timing? Have you ever wished that change or progress would come more quickly? REFLECT: Why do you think staying rooted in God is the most important part of bearing fruit? PRAYER: Lord, help me to be committed and patient as I trust your timing. Help me to stay rooted in YOU! Amen.