We Can Do Nothing

             “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 14:5-8)

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  (Matthew 19:26)

This is one of those passages that rankles the flesh. “What do you mean, I can do nothing! Just look at all I’m doing! Take a look at my Ta Da Tuesday posts!” Change my list to yours. We’re busy people and (“Hello!”) it’s the holiday season and we’ve just faced two hurricanes and a major snow storm.

But did you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? If we’re honest, the answer will be “no.”

Did you love your neighbor as yourself? Well, some of us don’t do a great job of loving ourselves, so some of us might be able to check that one off the list.

Did you pray without ceasing? Did you pray for those who hate and mistreat you? For those who are in authority over you?

Were you filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?

Was your speech seasoned, as it were, with salt?

Did you show grace?

I know you know that these sorts of fruits of the Spirit are what Jesus was talking about. These are what show us to be His disciples. But they’re impossible. Maybe, we think, if we did nothing else but sit alone all day. I don’t know about you, but I can’t sit alone all day – I end up lecturing people who aren’t there. Even if I’m alone, I’m not alone. More importantly – we have families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, chores, errands, the holiday season, health issues, weather and technological problems, etc. In short, we can’t stop living our lives even though we may agree that all those things are more important than the trivia that takes up most of our days.

But that’s the point. What is impossible for us is possible for Him. And if we ask anything according to His will, He will give it to us- so “Lord, help me abide in You” is going to get a response -maybe not the response we want, but He will answer.