Greater JourneySample

GREATER STRENGTH

READY
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (ESV)

SET
Staying connected to the vine is the key to greater strength for a branch. When a branch is connected to the vine, nutrients and water flow to the branch, so it grows and eventually bears fruit. However, when the branch is separated from the vine, it withers and loses its strength.

What a powerful image Jesus gave us to understand the importance of staying connected to Him—that is, abiding in Him.

What does it mean to abide? Abiding means to dwell, to live, to wait, and to stay.

There is no striving, no straining, just being. A branch on a tree just remains exactly where it needs to be. When that is the case, there is abundant strength that a branch receives because it is connected to the source of strength. Doesn’t it seem counterintuitive to talk about gaining strength by abiding?

I want to challenge us with the critical message of staying connected to Jesus. At times we may feel like we can do something on our own, but ultimately God has a Source of Strength that He can provide us that goes beyond what we can imagine. His Grace flows into our lives and gives us strength.

I love 1 Peter 4:11 (ESV) which states “…whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

There is a Source of Greater Strength. His name is Jesus.

Jesus provides Greater Strength to you when you invite Him to strengthen you. Stay connected to Him through prayer, through time in the Word, through fellowship with others, and under all circumstances. May we be humble to acknowledge our dependency on and need for God’s Strength continually. May we be open to receive His Strength under every circumstance that is set before us.

GO

• Who is someone in your life that stands out to you who is strong? Would you consider yourself to be a strong person?
• What needs do you have daily that God can supply?
• What things disconnect you from Jesus? What connects you to Jesus?

WORKOUT
Joshua 1:9, Psalm 71:14, Ephesians 6:10, James 4:6