It is with vigilance that I search for them, eyes wide open to the possibilities. In fact, once the prize is in full view, I’ll battle even birds for the yumminess of fresh mangoes. Yes, the fruit is worth it!
Fresh mangoes, the kind picked straight off the tree, offer a sweetness and juice that nothing else can mimick. They have an intense flavor that is overly kind to the palatte. They are desired…and, although there are no mango trees at the house, I try my hardest to battle for several each mango season.
Spiritually speaking, there is nothing like the fruit trials bear. It’s there, in view of a trial, that we find a closer walk with our Lord. As we press in to closeness with our Creator, we find the blossoms of fruit beginning to shine forth. It is there that we find an ability to encourage others because “we’ve been there.” It is there that we find glory for our King.
It would be so easy to go to the store and pick up a spiritual “mango”, but it’s not the same. The flavor lacks in comparison to the fruit that remains attached until harvest time. The easy-to-come-by version at the store often finds itself hardened and typically displays a different color. It’s skin lacks being soft and tender to the touch. It’s just not the same because it has not remained attached. It has tried to ripen alone and detached.
Neither can you bear fruit
unless you remain in me.
John 15:4b NIV*
In the midst of a trial, it’s not always easy getting to the fruit stage, the point where our situation oozes with the juice of the Holy Spirit, ripe and right. Oh, but wouldn’t it be so much easier to just grab that fruit off the shelf vs. walking through the trial? Seemingly, “Yes.” However, the fruit of our walk would be altered drastically.
Staying attached to the One who can give us the nourishment needed to successfully weather and triumph in the face of adversity delivers an end result that is oh so delicious. It’s the fruit of maturity; the fruit which oozes with juice and lacks nothing. It is worth the battle.
Consider it pure joy, my brother, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 NIV*
Be encouraged today as you weather the trials and watch the juicy spiritual fruit grow. Be encouraged as you are reminded that spiritual fruit is worth perseverence and that, above all, He is trustworthy to ensure you lack nothing.
~ Your fellow branch
I love, love, love this! So true!