It is not we who work for God; it is God who works in us and through us to produce the fruit of His grace. Christian service is the result of Christian devotion. The work that we do is the outflow of the life that we live. It is by abiding in Christ that we can produce fruit.

God must make the worker before He can do the work. God spent thirteen years preparing Joseph for his ministry in Egypt, and eighty years preparing Moses to lead Israel.

Jesus spent three years teaching His disciples how to bear fruit; and even the learned Apostle Paul needed a “post-graduate course” in Arabia before he could serve God with effectiveness. A newborn babe can cry and make its presence known, but it cannot work.

A new Christian can witness for Christ and even win others—but he must be taught to walk and learn God’s wisdom before he is placed in an office of responsible ministry.

Verse for today: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

Also read: Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:27; 1Thessalonians 2:11-12; 4:1.

Action assignment: Read John 15 and then write an essay about the Christian “producer.” Relate this to yourself. Pray that you will learn the lesson of abiding in Christ so that you can become fruitful in every good work.

Warren W. Wiersbe
www.backtothebible.in