If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. John 15:6 To remain in Christ as a permanent state is a challenge, even for the most devoted believers. To be in the world yet not a part of it is a constant struggle. Yet to survive, our reliance on him must become perpetual, not conditional. We must learn to abide in him in times of strength as well as in times of need. He is the vine; we are the branches. Just as branches get their sustenance from the vine, so we draw sustenance from Christ. The branch separated from the vine withers, becomes brittle, and is easily destroyed. Those who do not remain connected to Christ become "brittle" in their spirits. They are susceptible to the enemy's assault, and they burn easily. Those who remain in the vine, however, are full of the sweetness of its sap, the lifeblood that gives them strength to withstand hard times. They cannot be burned, for they are alive with the love of God and have become a channel of this love to others. Who is the source of your life? When you are in despair, who do you draw your strength from? Get connected to the Vine. Realize Christ is that vine and he is the source of powerful, abundant life. Lord, teach me to remain in you wherever I am, wherever I go, always keeping you as my real source of life.
