Author Darlene J. Conard

 Grandma loved berry picking. Together we would take baskets out and pick raspberries to freeze and extra for baking two or three pies. “Be careful,” she sternly warned, “watch for snakes.” Snakes were the number one reason I despised berry picking.

Last night during a prayer and video chat we began ministering to one another. Everyone made known their need from healing to spiritual warfare. God’s ministering power descended on us as we talked then prayed about it. During that time, the Holy Ghost dropped something in my spirit.

Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” 1 Corinthians 16:

Paul had a place that God expected him to be. He understood that great and affectual doors had their challenges. Effectual means powerful. In this verse he is going somewhere not because he’s fruitful but that which is beyond a door. He says that adversaries are many. God wouldn’t have sent him if he wasn’t experienced and equipped.  

Tarry a while, for how long, and until are all keys as to what lay behind that door, Pentecost. Jesus said, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. (John 4:35-38 KJV)

Snakes are drawn to fruit. The smell of it entices them. When I studied this, I was amazed!

If you are facing adversity don’t be discouraged. An Evangelist by the name Benson Auxier would say to me, “If you ain’t got anything the devil wants, he’ll leave you alone. Fruitfulness is what is after.

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