The Phenomenal Potential of Three Years: Acts 20:31-32
“31) Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 32) And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Acts 20:31-32
These two verses beg the question; “How long should it take to raise up mature and fruitful disciples of Christ?” I confess the answer is shocking, but it should be around three years!
Granted, these results are not attained by attending church one hour a week or reading two or three verses a day. That is a recipe for carnality, but the potential of three focused years “in Christ” is phenomenal!
Think about this; Jesus turned out 12 apostles as a result of His three year ministry on earth. Paul turned out mature and fruitful elders during his three years in Macedonia. It doesn’t have to take 30-40 years to be transformed by the Holy Spirit and the power of the gospel. But we are talking about three years of devotion, study, focus and obedience.
Three years seems to be the abundant maturity age for many fruit bearing plants like grape vines, berries and even some trees. Many go on to produce fruit for years. This pattern in nature is no mistake.
Don’t settle for mediocrity. Don’t waste your life being stuck. Healing and wholeness can come quickly. The gospel, God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit can bring radical growth and transformation.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
