What does it mean to abide? Some translations use the word “remain,” or “stay.” I think of resting, persisting, persevering, hanging on. To abide in Jesus means that I don’t abandon him and try to do things my own way. No branch can bear fruit unless it is connected and drawing its life from the vine.
We’re pretty powerful and wealthy. It’s easy to believe that we have the power to do the things we want. But we can’t make ourselves right with God. And I wonder what we miss because we do things on our own instead of trusting and waiting for Jesus.
We even mentioned about focusing on Jesus yesterday, too. When we focus on him, he makes things work. I confess I even struggle with this from time to time. I want to trust him. I want to remain in him. I turn to him to make that happen. I don’t have the power in and of myself. Trusting God is an active choice. I have to choose to abide or remain. Deep down, I know I can’t do anything without him. However, sometimes abiding in him takes a long time.
I hope I can remember to stick to my pay grade. How long is God’s problem. How much fruit is also his problem. What I have to do to be pruned, again, that’s God’s problem. My challenge is to remain.
What would help you remain? For me, I’m a community person. I need people around me to help me abide, as well as friends who are also abiding and waiting on Jesus. If you need a community like that, check out a local church. Or, you can also connect with us here by commenting on posts and posting your own thoughts. Remember what we do because we follow Jesus matters, forever.
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