Much patience is required from a fruit farmer. Consider the growth of a new crop of apple trees. In the first year, the trees are becoming accustomed to the soil and there are no apples. In the second year, there are still no apples, but the trees have shown growth in height and fullness. In the third and fourth years, the trees begin to show signs of maturity as their branches blossom with little white and pink flowers, but usually, it is not until year five or six that a full apple harvest is realized. It may be 25 years until a healthy, standard apple tree yields its best fruit and in that time the farmer remains patient. Throughout those quiet, barren years, the farmer does not tear the trees out of the ground in frustration. Instead, he waits patiently because he has an assured hope in the invisible harvest he knows will come.

Our lives are filled with moments of waiting and anticipation that require the patience of a fruit farmer. Often, we face the difficult challenge of waiting for answers to our prayers. We know God has heard and is moving on our behalf per His plan for us, but the waiting can lead us to feel discouraged and maybe even take back our request, settling for whatever is in our reach. But when we wait for God’s time, not only have we grown steadily in patience, but we are also rewarded with a full harvest of blessing! If you are going through a silent season, where you are patiently (or impatiently!) waiting to see God move, place your cares in the hands of the Almighty and trust Him to fulfill His promises. Rest in the hope for the invisible blessing that is coming!

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the promise of knowing that I can trust in you in every circumstance. Help me remain faithful in prayer and patient in waiting while I watch you move in my life. Thank you for the growth I will gain in you! In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    Romans 8:25 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.