This week our pastors will begin a sermon series on the fruit of the Spirit. Can you name all nine? Better yet, are they apparent in your life? Even better, did you know that if we lack a certain fruit in our personality, the Spirit can often make up for it? For example, an impatient person can act on the patience the Spirit shows through them. The Spirit might override a person with a sharp tongue and fill them with gentle words. Someone struggling with alcohol may be overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness to the point they can be faithful to sobriety through Him. Sometimes that feels like a miracle. I have had unexpected peace in terribly upsetting situations. That is miraculous for a worrier like me, a true gift of the Spirit.   Â
Interestingly, Jesus often provided a miracle for a person only after they told Him what they wanted. He sometimes asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32, Mark 10:51) Of course, He asked for their sake, not His. He knew what they wanted. He needed them to verbalize their need, approach Him with humility, and recognize that the miracle was all Jesus. When it comes to prayer, Jesus said many times, “Ask…” (Matthew 7:7, Mark 11:24, John 14 and 15) So, as a situation unfolds and you feel inadequate, ask the Lord for the specific fruit you might need to handle it in a godly way. If you are “working on yourself” and know you need more patience or self-control or joy, ask Him for it. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Amen! ~Tracy