A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

 

  

 

 

 

 

Ripe avocados hanging in an avocado tree

We need not know the time or reason
But just to follow the One
Who showed us through the Son
That He meets our needs in due season

 

 
In Due Season

Volume XV, Issue 33

August 17, 2015
In Due Season...by Janet Perez Eckles

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3
 
Several years ago I began a video project--Cooking in the Dark--which has become very popular. Maybe it's my marvelous concoctions. Maybe it's my incredible cooking skills. Maybe it's the thrill of watching a blind chica using sharp utensils. Who knows. But it's been a lot of fun.
 
In one of the most viewed segments (http://bit.ly/JanetEcklesSpicadoSalad), I prepare a Spicado Salad, a wonderful mixture of spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Binding it all together is avocado, which happens to be my favorite ingredient in many of my own recipes.
 
I just love avocados. Imagine my joy each year when my neighbor's avocado tree bears fruit and she shares these tasty, creamy delicacies with us.
 
But this year, to our dismay, the tree produced no fruit. No yummy-ness. Nada.
 
"We watered it," my neighbor said. "We put down special fertilizer and even more good soil. Nothing worked. No avocados."
 
Oh, the disappointment. But you know what? In life there will always be disappointments. Sometimes no matter how we water a project with hard work...no matter what efforts we make...no matter what creative tools we use, no fruit appears on the branches.
 
I've been there. Have you? We scratch our heads in bewilderment. We review the steps. We follow the instructions of the psalmist in Psalm 1 ---
  • Meditate in God's word diligently.
  • Don't hang around sinners.
  • Never seek advice from ungodly folks.
  • Don't even get near those mockers.
Yet there's still no fruit. In our rush to harvest, we stumble in disappointment. We dash off to "make it happen" and end up heading in the wrong direction, savoring nothing. Being so anxious for quicker results brings us indigestion instead. What can we do?
 
Before reaching for the Pepto-Bismol, we can take a deep breath. And we can acknowledge that our tree of hard work will only bring fruit in due season. "But what is due season?" you ask. Due season is that precious time not a moment before God's will nor a second ahead of His plans.
 
What a relief to know His plans will prevail and His will is supreme. His power at work in us will produce the fruit, rich and abundant, when He determines its due season!
 
How about you? Anything not coming to fruition? Disappointed? Frustrated? Want to rush ahead?
 
Focus on God's perfect timing. Fill your heart with His desire for that due season. And while you wait, have an avocado.

Seeing the best in Life,

 

Janet

Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker, author of four books, and a Christian life coach. Especially for those in the midst of struggles, she ignites a passion to overcome. You can learn more about Janet and her incredible ministry at www.janetperezeckles.com. 
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