That We may Believe: Reading Through JohnEgzanp

I get hung up thinking about all I’m not. I’m not bold in sharing my faith. I’m not the loving, giving person I know God wants me to be. I get discouraged when I don’t see the growth I believe God wants in my life. 

But I’m also not the source of strength or truth. I need to absorb the fact that I can’t produce one good thing in my own effort. If I’m helpless apart from Christ, then who am I?

I am…

A branch and Jesus is the life-giving vine.

A creation, not the Creator.

A pencil not the Word

A reflection, not the light.

A servant, not the master.

A voice, not the message.

Gifted not the gift-giver.

A messenger, not the message.

A channel, not the source.

Forgiven not sinless.

A singer, not the song.

A child.

A follower.

A believer.

A vessel.

Loved.

God is…

The Creator.

The Light.

The Hope.

The Master.

The Message.

The Author.

The Giver.

He alone is worthy of praise, honor, and glory. All that I am, I owe to Him. I can’t do anything in my own strength, and only the Holy Spirit can produce anything of eternal value. My part is to listen, follow, obey, and leave the results to Jesus. 

Are you depending on the Vine, Jesus Christ, or trying to produce results through your own effort?

~Susan Aken