Cambridge English Dictionary lists one definition of fruit as “the result of work or actions, especially if pleasant or successful." 

My father-in-law grew amazing and delicious corn. Years of experience taught him how to hone the process of caring for his garden well. He took joy in the process and paid attention to each stage of growth carefully. He knew that no matter whether things turned out exactly how he hoped, there would be a harvest to enjoy. 

Never once did I see him standing over a corn stalk stressing out, saying the perfect ear of corn must be exactly like the picture on the seed packet; otherwise, the ear of corn will a complete failure. Of course, no one would ever do that because it is understood that results vary. What the gardener actually has control over is the process of tending the plant with wisdom as it grows. Most other variables are beyond someone’s ability to control. 

Sometimes it is easier to have more realistic expectations with gardening than with people. It is easy to have predetermined expectations of what fruit should look like in someone’s life. It is easy to hyper-focus on a desired outcome we have no control over instead of faithfully and gently walking alongside someone as God works in her. 

I am a global worker. I cross cultures. That means the ways in which people respond to God and life will never look exactly the same as it did in my former country. I can walk alongside someone in the journey in which God has placed her, but I should not try to force fruit or results according to my own preconceived expectations. That causes damage. It also shows my lack of trust in God, Whose ways of changing minds and hearts are far wiser than mine. 

The work in my little corner of the world, and in every other place, truly is His work. My actions should support the process of sanctification and change He is working into others, not demand it look exactly like the picture I have in mind. What God has in mind will be infinitely more beneficial and beautiful than I could have planned.