Rely On God's Might!

(Today's devotion is brought to you by Philip and Paul)

Scripture Reference: John 15:4-7

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

When God gives you a dream or a task, it will require you to go beyond your strength and abilities. God desires for you to operate in His anointing and His power rather than your own limitations. You will be amazed by the outcome when you when you tap into God’s power.

When I (Philip) was born again, I tried to do much with my own abilities. I had two criteria: the things that I could do by myself, and the things that I needed God’s help.

I would think, well, I can do this or that myself. But this thing over here is a tough one. So help me, God. I would invite the presence of God to move in only certain parts of my life.

As I continued to grow closer to God, I discovered that I need God in every part of my life – even things that I thought I could do myself. That goes for my wife, Tracy, too.

Take for instance, Tracy and I were pursuing our part-time studies and working at the same time. Amidst our busy schedule, we continued to seek the Lord. We knew God would help us through our examinations because we had asked Him to.

Indeed, we have since completed our studies. We could have passed our examinations with our own abilities. However, when we asked God’s help, He gave us more than what we asked for! We graduated from our respective degree courses just before our wedding. God gave us enough time to prepare for our wedding! And that’s not all. We managed to get better jobs with our new qualifications.

In John 15:5, Jesus tells us that when we abide in Him and His Word abides in us, we will bear “much fruit”. That sounds like more than what we asked for. God wants to give us more than just enough. The Word also says that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). Notice what Jesus says right after He tells us to bear much fruit: “Without Me you can do nothing”. We cannot do it without Him.

Brothers and sisters, do you need some signs and wonders in your studies, finances, or family? God will never intrude, so you must invite Him into these areas of your life. God is able, but you will have to ask Him to work in your life. You cannot do it by yourself.

(Today's devotion was brought to you by Philip and Paul)