Sudden Ripening

For seven months, my orange tree has hard, green balls hanging off of it. They’re more suited for playing golf or as weapons than fruit to eat. Even the birds leave them alone. Ten fell off during a wind storm, and they turned black and so hard they’re not even fit for compost.

When December arrives, they change. Almost overnight, they turn orange, soften up, and become useful. The end product is surprisingly sweet.

I wonder if that’s how God sees us. In our natural state, we’re tough, hard, green, using up resources while providing nothing in return. As soon as He touches us, we become sweet, appealing, and useful.

Jesus said, “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 BSB).