Today’s Reading: John 15:3-4 (NIV)
3 [Jesus said,] “You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
Good morning!
If you’ve ever flown on an airplane, you may know what it feels like to be waiting at the edge of the runway, with motors running, while the pilot listens for the go-ahead from the tower. There is a reason why we must wait. Even experienced pilots, with their unobstructed view of the airstrip, cannot always see what is happening up above. They wait for the all-clear sign from an air traffic controller high in the tower, who has a view of the skies, the flight plans, and knows when it is safe to begin takeoff. The minutes spent waiting on that runway can seem like an eternity to antsy passengers who are anxious to get to their next destination on time. Waiting for the go-ahead signal is never easy, whether it is on a plane, or anywhere else as you may travel along life’s highway.
I am continually amazed at how the Holy Spirit works within human hearts. Several folks have been gathering together for several months, through a prompting of the Holy Spirit, to offer ourselves in service to the college community in our neighborhood. We hope to extend a little radical hospitality on campus, make some new friends, and be there to listen and assist however we can. Plans have been made to open a free coffeehouse for the entire college campus one night each week during the school year. We hope to provide a creative space where students can come and enjoy a free cup of java, a place to study; to network and relax together. We’ve made plans, purchased supplies, sought the help of volunteers, and we are now ready to launch into this new outreach opportunity. Right this minute, we are sitting at the edge of the runway, waiting for the go-ahead signal from above.
When we find ourselves in a holding pattern, we need to remember that we must never try to go it alone. While it may be tempting to run full-steam ahead, without the go-ahead signal from above, our feeble human attempts will falter and fail. This is the time to turn to the Lord in prayer, seeking His guidance and blessing. Holding patterns are uncomfortable for all of us, but these precious moments have eternal consequences. When God prompts you to go, He will equip you with everything you need at just the right moment in time. He will give the go-ahead signal and we will hear and know when it is time to launch. Jesus said we need to remain in Him, and He will remain in us. Good fruit cannot grow apart from the vine.
Are you in a holding pattern today? There is a reason why we wait. Use this time to prayerfully remain focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. He will let you know when it is time to go!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
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