Strong spirits: resting
"But how to get faith strengthened? Not by striving after faith, but by resting in the Faithful One."
Ours is an age of much to do, being busy, getting things done. Always more to do than there seems to be time to do it. So the words of Jesus about simply remaining or abiding in him sound strange. But really, I think he knew very well how pushed we would be, and his advice is very sound.
If you've ever seen a grapevine, or a fruit tree, you know that the fruit grows out on the end of the branch. You also know that it is hard to distinguish where the vine ends and the branch begins. And it is worth noting that the vine holds the branch, and not the other way around.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a person remains in me, and I in them, they will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing." Jesus to his disciples (John 15:5)
"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love." Jesus again (John 15:9)
"But how to get faith strengthened? Not by striving after faith, but by resting (remaining/abiding) in the Faithful One" Hudson Taylor
Remaining in Christ is resting in him, allowing his fullness to fill you so that you can bear fruit. Apart from that, all of our striving will wear us down. This week, rest in him, remain in him. He will give you all you need to do what needs doing.
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
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