Friday, October 4, 2013
By: Gwen Hitt
At Capacity
John 15:5 Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
Over the weekend, I received a message from my cell phone that it was in need of additional memory. After purchasing the additional memory, my "smart phone" was able to work properly. As I reflected on my cell phone's ability to tell me (the primary operator) that it could not function properly unless I intervened, I began to think of our relationship with the PRIMARY SOURCE of power in our lives - God.
Are we "smart" enough to go to Him when we are expected to process too much information...when we are expected to do too much? Today's verse provides direction for us when we find ourselves in these situations. We are reminded that we will ONLY produce fruit in our lives IF we REMAIN in Him because WITHOUT Him we can do NOTHING.
The Apostle Paul, a man of great faith, shares in Philippians 4:12-13 what he learned in dealing with the challenges that he encountered during his lifetime --- "I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need."
Just as I had to provide what my cell phone needed to operate to its full potential, we need to do the same for ourselves. Jesus modeled His concern for His apostles when they were being pulled in every direction in Mark 6:31-32 --- Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
My challenge to you this morning is to go to Him when you are feeling that you have "reached your capacity" and can't handle anymore. He tells us in Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." At these times, think of the loving arms of a parent rocking their baby to sleep AND imagine yourself wrapped in His comforting arms! His arms are open...you just have to go to Him.
Dear Lord, Always prompt me to come to you when I am in need of rest because my desire is to be used by You. I ask You to replenish my strength so that I can fulfill the plans that You have for my life.
I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that you are Lord and God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
