| Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Study |
"Apple trees take six to ten years to produce fruit. In the time leading up to bearing fruit, the tree uses all of its energy to mature. The root system grows deep into the ground, and its branches grow big and strong enough to hold fruit.
If a tree produces apples before it has matured, arborists recommend that the fruit be discarded because it won't taste good. It takes time before good fruit is produced.
Paul tells the Galatian church that "fruit" is produced in the life of a believer who is full of the Holy Spirit. However, just like fruit trees, this process doesn't happen overnight. As we mature in our walk with the Lord, more fruit is seen in our lives.
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When others look at us, they should see a noticeable change in our speech, attitudes, and actions as the Holy Spirit works in us. It requires a daily act of surrender where we lay down our will and submit to God's will.
It can be frustrating to see the person we want to be versus the way we really are, but we don't produce the growth in our life. It's the work of the Holy Spirit. All we need to do is seek God and wait for the fruit to sprout.
In God's timing, He will bring the harvest He has planted in us. Even if we have some growing to do, God is patient and loving with us.
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