But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Devotion:

When I was growing up in the northern part of the country, I always looked forward to the fall when the apples would ripen. For many years, my family made a tradition of picking bushels of them before we would process them into apple cider in the antique press. Cranking it was always a lot of work, but there was nothing quite like the taste of fresh cider in the peak of the season.

Since that time, I’ve noticed that seasons have become more than just a time of year.

Today, it’s common to hear someone say, “This has been a really busy season,” or, “I am going through a tough season.” Maybe one of those statements is true for you today, but the good news is: whether this season has left behind some scars or been a huge blessing in your life, God has promised to cultivate good fruit in your life through the power of his Holy Spirit, despite the “season” you’re in.

These Fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23, are as sweet as they come and can be produced in any season. The Bible tells us that all who believe in Christ have the Holy Spirit in them and therefore have the power available to live consistently with God’s commands. If you read through the list of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control and think to yourself, “I’m toast,” you’re in good company. Thankfully, this is yet another time when God brings something from nothing, and all he asks for is your “yes.”

Earlier this month, someone challenged me to say “yes” to everything I was asked for a week. Silently, as to not be taken advantage of, I accepted their challenge and went on for a week saying yes, after yes, after yes. Through this adventure, I was reminded that despite all my striving efforts, God only wants my “yes.” Being the kind of person who, in every attempt to cross every “t” and dot every “i,” often tries to control what God is doing in my life, I regularly limit myself by what I think I know and feel like I can control. But at the end of the day, I know it never gets me very far, and I find myself EXHAUSTED. 

In every attempt to live a good, pleasing life, I have always come up short on my own. Cue the entrance of the Holy Spirit; life with the Holy Spirit leading is one of the greatest adventures one could go on. Without fail, God has produced holy fruit in my life when I stopped holding back and committed to trust in him. Like many things, the bearing of fruit in our lives is a work in progress that takes time and faithful devotion like Eugene Peterson wrote about when he defined faithfulness as a “long obedience in the same direction.” That long obedience starts today.

No matter what season you find yourself in today, I pray that you would have the courage to offer God your “yes.” Yes, when he calls. Yes, when he says go. Yes, when he convicts. Yes, when he opens doors. Yes, even when you cannot see the other side.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

Thank you for remaining close by my side in every season. I know you see me right where I am today, and I pray that you will reveal yourself to me in a powerful and tangible way. Forgive me, Lord, for the times when I have turned from the urges of your Holy Spirit because of my own fear. I pray that you would give me the courage to say yes and as I offer my obedience to you, that you would develop good fruit in me.

I pray this in the freeing name of Jesus, 

Amen.

Peyton Kirkpatrick is Graduate Resident for High School Students. He is passionate about teaching the Bible in practical ways that can be applied to daily life.

Resources: 

• “Spirit Lead Me” by Influence Music & Michael Ketterer
•  Watch “Live by the Spirit” teaching series message
•  Watch “The Holy Spirit” sermon message

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