Experts say the most obvious way of knowing when fruit is ready to pick is by its change in color. Picking it too early or too late can ruin the fruit. Picking fruit at the right time illustrates a biblical principle. In Psalm 40, David says, “I waited patiently for the LORD to help, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair.” We are not sure if David’s pit was sickness, the threat of his enemies, or a pit of hopelessness. Whatever it was, he learned that waiting and trusting God brought relief. Waiting paid off! God heard him and delivered him. Waiting has value. It can refine our character and draw us closer to God. Waiting can intensify and purify our praise. As a result, when God finally comes through for us, not only does joy fill our hearts, God is glorified. Of course, we know that waiting on God does not necessarily mean that we merely sit around, do nothing, and ring our hands. Waiting means we are trusting, relying on God to act on our behalf. If God were to act too soon we may not ripen sufficiently. We may not learn what God wants to teach us. Since we belong to God, He reserves the right to fashion us into the kind of persons He desires us to be. David knew God had planned for him both experiences and blessings that shape character. When we yield ourselves to our all-wise God, He makes things work together for our good and His glory.
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