Sunday Evenings With JoniSample

These are the words of Jesus, and they give me great comfort to know that nothing happens randomly.

Instead, we have been chosen and placed, appointed and purposefully planted.

By God.

The One who has a complete overview of the whole wide world and of all eternity. That is everywhere and forever. There is nothing larger than that.

Yet on a smaller scale, He knows me. God has a deep understanding of who I am, because He made me. No one knows me better than He—not even myself.

And there is more.

The God of all galaxies and forever knows and loves me—with a love so great that He gave His only Son.

There is no greater love.

That’s a lot to take in. I’ve been a believer for most of my life, and still can’t fully comprehend it all. It’s too vast to grasp, but I do understand more and more. And I’ve realized there is no fuller life than one lived with Him.

Jesus says in verse 5 of the same chapter:

“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.”

During my time with Joni, we had endless conversations about life’s chaos and amazing grace. She taught me that abiding has very little to do with our circumstances and everything to do with our focus. “Abiding isn't a spiritual download whenever we feel like it,” she said, “but an ongoing relationship where we acknowledge our spiritual emptiness and seek God's constant filling.”

It is there that we find peace and purpose.

Reflection:

1. Read John 15:1-17 and compare different translations. Look for the words abide and appointed, and the phrases with similar meaning.

2. The reading ends with Jesus’ command to love each other. Can you name a few people—at the place where you are planted—who are difficult to love? Tell Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me, for appointing me, for holding me. Teach me to love like You, at the place where You have planted me. I want to abide in You as You abide in me. In Your name, Amen.

Did you enjoy this 5-day devotional? Be sure to pick up your copy of Sunday Evenings With Joni by Ruth Schleppi-Verboom and be strengthened through its entertaining stories and down-to-earth, hope-filled wisdom.