I'll fix this myself!

Without Jesus, we can do nothing.

In The Chosen, Peter has to learn that lesson the hard way. The show portrays him as cocky, someone who always has a plan. He’s quick to act and slow to ask for help.

When his problems multiply, he works harder and tries to fix everything himself – until he reaches the point of collapse.

Can you relate?

How often do you try to fix things for yourself, with your own plans, in your own strength? And then, only when it doesn’t work, you seek help from God.

Yet Jesus’ words in John 15 cut through that self-reliance: “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

These are not words of judgment, but of invitation. Jesus calls us to abide – to stay close, to remain connected, like branches drawing life from the vine.

When a branch is cut off, it quickly withers. But when it remains joined to the source, fruit grows naturally.

The message is simple but life-changing: dependence is not weakness. Real strength comes from staying connected to Jesus.

Abiding means inviting him into every moment—work, relationships, decisions, struggles. It means asking before acting, trusting instead of striving. Each time we pause and turn to him, we draw from the power that never runs dry.

The next time you catch yourself thinking, "I'll fix this myself," stop and ask: "Am I doing this out of my connection with Jesus, or apart from Him?" That simple question can shift your posture from independence to dependence – from striving to abiding.

Reflection Questions

• Do you recognize yourself in Peter?
• What situations tempt you to handle things on your own instead of staying connected to Jesus?
• What practices help you abide in Him daily?
• How can other believers help you abide in Jesus?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I am more like Peter than I like to admit. I do so much in my own strength, and it’s tiring. I want to walk in Your strength from now on. Here are my problems <name them specifically>. Help me to trust Your leading in my life. Amen.