fruitfulness - do we limit God?

Recently I have been thinking about fruitfulness a good deal. Jesus talks about being fruitful in His last extended dialogue with His disciples. As I have pondered His words on fruitfulness, some questions come to mind What are the characteristics of a fruitful life? How does one become fruitful?

I have learned that when I have this kind of question, frequently the answer is discovered in nature. In fact, in John 15, Jesus uses a metaphor from the vineyard to teach about fruitfulness. I am becoming increasingly convinced that fruitfulness occurs as we discover God's ways of doing things and then began to act in harmony with His ways.

Recently I was challenged in an email that I was placing God in a box; that I was not giving Him an opportunity to act and move. As usual when receiving these kinds of challenges, I pondered what was said. As I considered what was said, a thought occured to me - I would never plant our garden here in the last days of November. Does that mean that I am limiting God? Do I limit God when I encourage my clients to feed their cattle for maximum productivity? Should I plant my garden in November expecting God to produce a harvest? Should I counsel my clients to feed their cattle inexpensive sawdust so that God has a chance to do something miraculous?

I believe that one of the hindrances to our personal fruitfulness is our paradigm of God as a magician. We sit around and wait for God to work some miracle when He has already outlined the path to fruitfulness. Husbands that desire God to work a miracle in their marriage are foolish if they choose not to love their wife as Christ loves the church. Farmers that plant crops outside of the planting season are fooolish to expect a harvest.

The real supernatural miracle working power of God occurs in the context of acting in accordance with His ways. The gardner tills the ground, plants the seed, waters it, and controls the weeds. God gives the supernatural increase. Miracles occur in finances as we submit to the God-ordained rythm of work and generosity.

I want to live in harmony with God and His ways. I desire that He be glorified due the fruitfulness in my life. However I can not expect to become fruitful without effort on my part.