Jesus Christ said in John 15:8 (NLT), “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” Many scholars believe that the spiritual lesson that Jesus taught in John 15 was at the last supper. It was the night he was betrayed, so we can gather that this was a very important teaching, because he was about to leave the disciples. Jesus Christ, our light, life, and example of Godliness, produced an unfathomable harvest through the power of the Holy Spirit. He assured us in verse 8 that if we are truly his disciples, we will produce much fruit as well. As Christians, we are in the fruit producing business, and I’d like to share a little bit about the unspeakable joy, promotions, and rewards that are slated to flow your way as you position yourself for the harvest that is about to burst forth in your life.
Beloved members, those of you that have been with us for a while know that we have taught many times about the stages of preparation before the breakthrough. We all have been hoping, praying, and waiting on a blessing that is next level, as well we should. Jesus Christ lets us in on the exceedingly abundant heart of our Heavenly Father, and tells us in John 10:10 that through him, God has made a more than abundant life available. God tells us in 3John 1:2 that He wishes above all things that we’re in good health and that our souls prosper. He wants the absolute best for us.
Promotion and elevation is the way of the Father. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) tells us, “22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Heavenly Father is not stagnant in any way. He is doing something wonderful every morning, so it’s no coincidence that there are great numbers of us that have all been patiently waiting on Him to not only bless us with the great desires of our hearts, but to take us to a new place in Him spiritually.
SMS has taught about the process of preparation for years now, and one of its defining characteristics is the shaking up and craziness before the blessing breaks through. We’re seeing this happening on a level that none of us could have imagined; from the global stage to our everyday environments. It is chaotic beyond anything most of us have seen in our lifetimes, and we must know that the shakeup is epic because the level and scope of the blessing is going to be as well.
But here’s the thing that must not be lost on any of us, it is entirely possible to miss out. We would be fooling ourselves if we believed that everyone is going to be prepared to receive. Some folks will read this and not be phased by what I’m about to state, but for others of you it will be just the revelation from the Kingdom that you’ve been waiting on. Sistas, you’ve heard me talk about destiny and purpose until the cows come home, but no matter how redundant you believe the subject to be, or how weary you might be of hearing it, the gravity of this season requires your utmost attentiveness.
An opportunity is coming your way. Yes, my sister, I’m speaking directly to you right now, and you know exactly who you are. You’ve believed yourself to be ready, and the measure of your spiritual maturity in Christ is about to be poured into a cup of opportunity. Don’t miss it! So many are not paying attention in this hour. It will indeed lead to a downward spiral. Romans 1:17 The Message (MSG) puts it best. It says, “What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives.” God is watching, and when that pivotal moment arrives and the fulfillment of our purpose is at hand, will we recognize the opportunity as one to produce fruit and glorify the Father in Heaven? Or will we trivialize it as silliness, and be so distracted with the chaotic ploy of the evil one that we are paralyzed to inaction?
Some of us have spent years licking our wounds, laboring in prayer, growing in grace, and learning to wait with patience. We’ve been weary, but did not and will not faint. You feel it in the belly of your knowing, the reward is eminent, and it’s infinitely more sweet than what you’ve imagined. God rewards diligent effort. It’s His nature. Reward is what He does, but with new mercies come new assignments. They will require more of us than what we’ve given, shared, and invested in the past. Ignoring God’s call to attention and alertness during this final stage of preparation is a grave mistake. We’ve come too far by faith. Wake up! Open your eyes and strengthen what remains, so that you will be ready for the opportunity that is purposed for your destiny, because it is the key that opens the door for the blessing you’ve been praying to receive. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Don’t Lose Another Opportunity” written by Reverend Fran Mack, edited by Kim Times for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2017. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.