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“Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches, Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”   (John 15:4-5, ESV)

Plants that climb typically start out by creeping along the ground until they reach a stem.  Upon contact with something, a chemical change is triggered in the plant that stimulates a behavioral change.  The plant then starts to grow upwards against gravity.  Wrapping themselves in a spiral around the object they come contact with.  Ultimately, investing most of their energy into climbing and growing.

Someone skilled in pruning will need to control the vine to ensure it concentrates more energy into producing fruit (grapes) instead of just surviving.

When a vine’s pruning has been neglected, old woody growth develops.  Sometimes requiring a saw to cut through it.

Life got extremely hard for the disciples after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Yet they continued to endure without yielding to the pressures of this world.  We are the result of the fruit that they bore because they chose to continue to “abide” in Christ.

As Christians, the world will constantly try to pull us down – but once we have had contact with Jesus, the Holy Spirit will trigger a change in us to move upward – from glory to glory.   (2 Corinthians 3:18)

If we are connected to our source of strength (Jesus) then we will be able to go against the weight of this world. (Hebrew 12:1,2) Much like a developing vine, we may want to pursue other things (survival and growth).  Just like a plant, a person can easily be sent into shock when pruning occurs.  Spiritual pruning from God may allow seasons of devastation. Loss of jobs and people that we love.  By staying connected to Jesus, he can take that season of brokenness and redirect our thoughts and energy – making us more productive for the Kingdom. As He applies the needed salve for our hurting hearts (wounds) to heal.

The decisions we chose everyday will bring us closer to Jesus or create distance.  Abiding will mean remaining stable in our commitment to Christ.  Not perfect but consistently reaching out to him for guidance. Prioritizing our time as we juggle between winning souls for the Kingdom and earning a living. We will have to live in his strength.  Just like the vine we will have to wrap ourselves deeply around the gospel to endure the hardships of life.   (Psalm 104:2)

“Father help us to be aware of the counterfeit sources of energy and strength that we may seek to bear fruit.  Help us to continue to share the gospel despite the rejection and persecution we may face.  Allow us to bear fruit for Your Kingdom.”

For His Glory,

Laura Holmes  (www.ephraimministries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life