Life is full of shifting seasons—some filled with sunshine
and fruitfulness, others clouded by uncertainty and pruning. Recently, my own
life has leaned into the latter. With unexpected health concerns in our family
and a growing list of responsibilities, I’ve found myself running low on
strength. Yet through it all, there’s been one unshakable truth holding me
steady: I am connected to the Vine.
In John 15, Jesus gives us this powerful image:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me
and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
(John 15:5)
This metaphor speaks to the heart of what it means to abide
in Christ. It’s not just a spiritual idea—it’s the very posture of our hearts,
especially when life gets hard. As I’ve sat with this Scripture during a
challenging season, I’ve come to see three deeply interconnected aspects of
abiding in Jesus: connection, dependence, and continuance.
Abiding starts with a vital connection to Jesus. Just like a
branch must be attached to the vine to live and grow, we must be joined to
Christ. This is what the Bible calls “union with Christ”—a mutual, life-giving
relationship where we dwell in Him, and He dwells in us (John 15:4). Without
this connection, there is no spiritual life and no lasting fruit.
This isn’t a distant or abstract idea. It’s deeply personal.
Jesus isn't merely someone we follow—He’s the very source of our life. When we
trust in Him, we are grafted into His life, and we begin to bear the fruit of
that relationship.
While connection is mutual, dependence is one-sided. A
branch depends entirely on the vine for its nutrients, water, and support—but
the vine doesn’t need the branch. In the same way, we are completely dependent
on Jesus for everything that matters in our spiritual lives. He is our strength
when we are weak. He is our peace in chaos. He is the grace that carries us
through the day.
Jesus says plainly, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.”
That’s not a gentle suggestion—it’s a bold reminder. No amount of effort,
planning, or striving can substitute for what Jesus provides through His
Spirit. His grace is our “sap”—the nourishment that flows from Him into every
part of our lives.
And I’ve felt that dependence deeply in recent weeks. When
fatigue set in and the future looked overwhelming, I found myself drawing
strength from the Vine—often moment by moment. Sometimes all I could do was
whisper a prayer or turn to a verse for comfort. But even in those small acts
of trust, His strength was there, sustaining me.
To “abide” means more than to connect—it means to stay. The
Greek word for “abide” (meno) also means to remain, dwell, or endure.
It speaks of commitment. Not a fleeting connection, but a daily choice to stay
rooted in Christ, even when things get tough.
Jesus doesn’t invite us into a temporary fix. He invites us
into a lasting relationship. Abiding means choosing to remain in His love, to
continue in His Word, and to trust Him through every storm and every joy. It
means holding fast when our emotions falter, and persevering in faith when life
feels uncertain.
This is what Jesus meant in John 8:31–32:
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and
you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Abiding is what transforms us. It’s what sets us free. And
it’s something that grows deeper over time.
Jesus continues the vine metaphor by talking about pruning.
In gardening, pruning isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. It removes what’s dead
or unfruitful so the plant can thrive. It clears the way for stronger,
healthier growth.
“Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may
bear more fruit.” (John 15:2)
I’ve felt the sharp edge of pruning lately. Life has
stripped away comforts and forced me to slow down. But even in the hardship,
I’ve sensed God’s hand lovingly at work—cutting back what isn’t essential,
re-aligning my heart with His, and preparing me for something new.
Pruning, though painful, is an act of love.
Beyond pruning, grapevines also need support structures—like
trellises—to grow upward and bear fruit. Without that structure, the vine would
sprawl along the ground, vulnerable to pests, disease, and rot.
We, too, need support. God gives us the framework for
healthy spiritual growth:
- His Word,
to guide us
- Prayer,
to stay connected
- Community,
to encourage us
- Worship,
to lift our hearts
- His presence,
as our steady anchor
After pruning, gardeners nourish the vine with fertilizer
and mulch. Likewise, after hardship, we need spiritual nourishment: time with
God, rest, reflection, and encouragement. These things help our faith root
deeply and grow again—stronger, more fruitful.
Here’s the truth I’m clinging to: abiding in Jesus isn’t
about achieving something—it’s about remaining in someone. It’s not
about climbing higher, doing more, or pushing harder. It’s about staying
connected to the One who already did everything for us.
Abiding doesn’t require a spiritual breakthrough or dramatic
moment. It’s lived out in small, faithful steps: keeping His words in our
heart, leaning on His grace, resting in His love. It’s remembering that no
matter what life throws at us, we are still in the Vine—and He is still with
us.
Whether you’re in a season of growth, pruning, or simply
holding on, I want to encourage you: Stay rooted. Stay connected. Stay with
Jesus. He is your source. He is your strength. He is your stability.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in
my love.” – John 15:9
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