4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

9 As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

— John 15:4-10, 16

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

We may often find God’s answer to our prayers or the painfully obvious choice in front of us troubling. God’s calls on our lives often begin with a burden we cannot shake. In that case, let’s draw on God’s strength, and a community of faith to help us forge forward and tackle daunting tasks. Regardless of our circumstances, we experience God’s overcoming power when we trust Him, obey His will, and abide in Him. We are the people working for God. Let’s learn to trust Him for what seems impossible. God charts a course for us that challenges our faith and proves His faithfulness.

God longs to redeem us from our old way of life and open our eyes to His plans for us. While we often desire to know and understand the full details of God’s plans for our lives, obeying Him usually means trusting Him for the next right step forward. When you take an intentional next step to follow God’s lead, how has God positioned you to meet a need you perceive? When we abide in Christ, life will be constantly challenging but eternally rewarding. Following God is worth whatever the cost. God gives immeasurable joy, even in dark times.