trbccoffeebreak

“Abide in me…” John 15:4 (KJV)

In the first eight verses of John chapter 15, Jesus refers to Himself as the true vine. His Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. Jesus talks about cutting off branches and pruning. However, the pivotal part of the text is the emphasis on abiding in Him.

In verse 15, Jesus changes the nature of the relationship. Those who obey go from servanthood to friendship with Christ. But beforehand, there’s a period of simply learning to obey. God doesn’t explain it to us, and we’re left with many questions. He has trained us with a firm hand to be obedient. At some point, we come to a place where God allows us to catch glimpses of His plan. We start to realize everything fitting together and the whys of the journey become clearer.

With God’s cuts…we suffer loss, go through trials, experience pain and hardship. Some days are so dark we wonder if the sun will ever shine again; and at night hugging a pillow is our only means of comfort. In spite of all this God says, “ABIDE!” Stay there, don’t quit, stick it out…trust Me…know I’m working on your behalf to produce fruit, more fruit and much fruit.

God’s pruning isn’t meant to destroy. He wants a friendship…a relationship. God will prune and cut using our finances, health, spouses, children, death, loss, etc. We cry, bleed and ache. It’s God’s way of finding out after the pruning and cutting…still friends? Can God trust us with trouble…still friends? Can I take you through intense sadness and your love for Me not change…still friends?

Those who are “there” in the cutting and pruning; you haven’t become bitter or frustrated. Because you didn’t quit, you’ve stuck it out, you’ve endured, you’ve been faithful and trusted Him. Verse 16 says, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it to you.”

“Father, in spite of the pain and suffering, we will abide in You cultivating a loving relationship. When the trimming is done and our fruit is ripe, we look forward to You answering our prayers.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock (www.kimlaceyschock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life