Give Us Understanding

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

The Lord will never use a person operating in his or her own strength or sense of righteousness, and no one makes a real difference in the world until they stop trying to make a difference. We can expect to receive nothing from the Lord, until we realize the only thing we have to offer God is emptiness.

 

It is doubtful the Lord will fill anyone who is not empty, or that he will help anyone who is not helpless. The Lord does not come alongside us to make our dreams come true or to satisfy our wants. He is after something much more profound – brokenness. Jesus laid down the prerogatives of His deity and became broken bread and poured-out wine for us. We must do the same for Him.

 

. . .  for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29)

 

Our Lord tells us to pick up our cross and follow Him to a place where only the meek and lowly can go. All our efforts to save our cities and communities, to "give back," and to do good are a poor use of God’s time and our energy. We can do all those things without Jesus.

 

If we are trying to be successful, to be known, to be good, or to be seen, our works amount to nothing in God's eyes, because the Kingdom of God is spiritual, and it comes without observation.

 

Remember, God can only have His way when we are no longer determined to have our way. May the Lord give us understanding and ears to hear His Word anew and follow Him closely.

Let's Pray - Forgive us, Lord, for going our own way and walking according to our own righteousness. We humbly ask for the knowledge of Your will, wisdom, and spiritual understanding today. In Jesus alone, Amen