text and photo by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro copyright 2020
Spring is so wonderful! Blossoms! Flowers! Bright greens in grasses and leaves in those unmistakeable hues which indicate newness! Hope seems to rise up in these new beginnings! And it should because in spring is the hope of fruit to come at harvest. That with which to be fed, but moreso with which God can feed others with Himself. The true Food, which heals us from the inside out and genuinely satisfies and accompanies us, leading us from here to eternity.
But spring is not to be mistaken as harvest. It is the promise of what could be, but is not realized yet. First there must be that spark of life which converts the potential of the blossom into the start of that which could become fruit. There must then be growth and conditions which maximize it.
This is how God works in us at all times and in all seasons. He wants us to benefit from a harvest of His healing as He nurtures and grows His priceless, eternal fruit within our souls. He wants to produce the fruit of His Spirit in us so that His love (the fruit-the evidence and proof of who He is) can flow through us His way to touch others with the reality He is. Tangible, practical acts of love and support. Spiritual encounter when His Spirit rolls through our obedience to Him (often in ways we do not realize) to help hearts know Him more on a yet deeper level.
Thus where we are impatient and just want to get on with it or where we just want Him to put His pow-er into making what we want happen immediately, in God’s magnificent and true way, waiting is never just waiting. Indeed, sometimes waiting is like winter, where storms seem to only destroy and growth is hidden away underneath where it cannot be seen. Sometimes growth is disguised by severe and painful pruning which life in the fallen realm dishes out. Sometimes being made smaller first is what enables that eventual productive harvest. God knows… Sometimes we get so excited about the signs and the start of what God seems to be planning or we believe is promised that we forget blossoms are not the ultimate, but the beginning. To be celebrated with childlike joy and wonder. But we must not stop there.
The world needs fruit. His. That must be grown in us. Usually this happens hidden under leaves close to the branches and of a color that the emerging fruit cannot be easily seen. This is by the Master’s design. The fruit is sour and cannot provide His sustenance as it was meant to if it is mistakenly plucked before His time.
Growth doesn’t just happen. It must be perserved through. This is not necessarily easy. Sometimes growth happens in spite of conditions and circumstances. When we are weak (and we will sometimes be weak) growth is happening because of God, but in spite of ourselves.
Growth must continue through challenges like pests and heavy summer heat. Or too much cool and dampness. Through climates which are less than would be ideal. Always dependent upon care and watering from the Master Gardener. And He is Faithful.
But as long as life remains, growth is always there. It must. No matter our age or period of life, in God’s eyes we are always His children and we remain in a constant stage of becoming. It is His way. Thus it is blessed.
In the waiting, whatever you are waiting for, God is using it to grow you to be more like Him to be His even more fruitful fruit to the world. Whether or not you are aware.
This can be hard. This is bliss!
Lord, have Your way with us!
Text and photo by Elizabeth Fulgaro copyright 2020
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NUGGETS OF GOD’s WISDOM
God’s Wisdom is more precious than gold.This blog by Elizabeth Fulgaro helps readers discover God’s way versus the world’s one “nugget” at a time. http://www.ascendinworship.wordpress.com
Elizabeth Fulgaro is a wife, mother, writer, inspirational speaker, worship leader, composer, singer & recording artist. She is also a Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Financial Counselor and Financial Coach (FFC) with a heart for helping people know and encounter God more.
For more information on books, worship albums, Bible studies and teachings written by Elizabeth Fulgaro please visit www.elizabethfulgaro.com . Her book called: Truth-Spiritual Manual for Battle now available on amazon.com. Music can be purchased and audio clips heard at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizabethFulgaro and on itunes and Spotify.
