EXPECT FRUIT AFTER YOUR TIME OF WAITING

“…wait for the Promise of the Father which… you have heard from Me.”—Acts 1:4

The early disciples, Jesus’ mother and brothers, and other women, gathered in the Upper Room to wait as Jesus had commanded them.  Before He was taken up to heaven, Jesus had instructed them that the Holy Spirit would come upon them so that they would be a witness to Him throughout the earth.  During these days of waiting, those gathered in the Upper Room were fasting and praying; incidentally, it was at this time that another disciple was chosen to replace Judas (The apostle who had betrayed Jesus and had killed himself.) (Acts 1:13-26).  Although those waiting had never experience the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives, their hearts were open to receive the newness that Jesus had talked to them about. 

The Scripture tells us that when the Day of Pentecost had fully that the people were in one accord waiting for the Promise of the Father. Today you may be waiting for something or someone new that the Father has promised.  Perhaps you are waiting an answer to prayer—for a job, improved finances, better health, or the salvation of a love one.  Maybe you are anticipating the next step in God’s plan for your life, or the strength to finally overcome some habitual sin.  During this time of waiting, it is a good time to consider what seeds you have been sowing in your life.  In your season of waiting, have you sown to righteousness or to sin?  Have you prepared to reap the harvest of spiritual fruit or the weeds of compromise? 

Diligence and persistence are the labors required when waiting upon God.  Sometimes He requires adjustments in thought patterns, correction in behavior, and repentance.  When the guidelines of the Holy Spirit are followed, at the end of waiting, comes forth a time of reaping the fruits of your labors, as it did on the Day of Pentecost, for the early believers.   They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  The fruit of their waiting is still producing global fruit.  Sometimes you may not know all the details of how your spiritual fruit may touch the world, but be open to the newness that His Spirit can and will bring to your life. 

Prayer—Father I prepare my heart according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God during my time of waiting so that I can receive the fullness of Your fruit, in Jesus Name. Amen.