Day 4 - A God-Dependent Faith
Posted by Michael O'Neal
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NLT)
Jesus’ words are so counter-cultural. We live in a Sprite culture (”Obey your thirst”) and have a Burger King mentality (”Have it your way”). But God-pleasing faith says, “God, I am nothing without You. I need You in every area of my life.” God-pleasing faith assumes absolute dependence upon God. Jesus is the Vine, which means that He is the source of power and productivity.
Have there been times in your life when you felt like your wheels were just spinning? Maybe you’re trying your best to make your marriage stronger. Maybe you’re trying your best to raise well-behaved kids. Maybe you’re putting forth your best effort at work. Maybe you’re doing all you can to reconcile a relationship. The problem is that our best effort is not good enough without the power of Christ in our lives. What do you need to do today to stay dependent upon God? Let me give you a few practical suggestions as you seek to rely on God today. Try one or all three today:
> Set aside 5 minutes to pray at lunch, admitting to God that you need His power and direction in your life.
> Take a few minutes to read all of John 15 in the Bible. Jesus’ words are so encouraging!
> Get a sheet of paper and make a “sin list.” In other words, write down some areas in your life that are not totally surrendered to God. Confess your sins, and ask God to forgive you for your lack of faith. Finally, throw away the sheet of paper and renew your commitment to depend upon God.
PRAYER: “God, You are the source of the power and strength I need in life. Apart from You, I can do absolutely nothing. Apart from You, I cannot be the spouse You want me to be, I cannot be the parent You want me to be, I cannot be the employee You want me to be, I cannot be the Christian You want me to be. Forgive me for being so independent. Today, I’m all Yours! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
POINT TO PONDER: God-pleasing faith assumes absolute dependence upon God.
August 9th, 2007 at 6:07 am
There are so many times in our lives that we try to go it alone. Even as Christians, we forget to rely on God, and go about it ourselves. We forget that he knows what we need before we do, he will always provide if we just allow him to. As I look back on the times in my life that I tried to go it alone, I realize how empty and hollow I felt. Then the trials where I leaned upon him, and allowed him to lead me thru. There is no comparison between the two. God loves us and wants to lead us.
August 9th, 2007 at 6:49 am
One thing I feel like I have been starting to do better since I have gotten so much closer in my relationship with the lord is, when I get overwhelmed in all the days, weeks, months activities and I’m just not sure how to get everything done, and I feel (I know) I am not making enough time for him, I just have faith and trust that he will give me strength and give me what I need to bring it all together. And after a while I look back and I realize that if I kept trying to do it alone, I just would not have the strength or the energy to do it alone. I have got a really busy day, and in the past I would be nearly shaking I would be so anxious at the thought of how to get it all done, but right now I have a since of calm because I know he’s here with me. If I trust in him he will give me all I need to get through! Sometimes it’s easier said than done.
August 9th, 2007 at 6:51 am
I believe that everything happens for a reason and that God always has a plan and that we have to trust him and “let go” so that he may take over. I am constantly reminding myself that “God’s got it covered” and that I am not in control. It takes discipline to pray God’s will and not what we want but it’s God’s will that is best for us in the end…we just have to have the faith to believe this. So when our relationships are suffering and we are having doubts in our lives…we can always turn to him and he will always be there. I agree with Chris there is an emptiness without Christ and there is NOTHING like being filled with the Holy Spiri. May God Bless you!
August 9th, 2007 at 8:00 am
I think it’s easy when things are going well in our lives to put God on the back burner. We think since things are going OK that we can do it all on our own. It’s only when we have tough times and are struggling through something that we bring Him back into the picture and start to lean on Him. It’s so important to stay focused on Him at all times, good and bad, and rely on Him in all aspects of our lives.