Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He also trims every branch that produces fruit to prepare it to produce even more. You have already been prepared to produce more fruit by the teaching I have given you. Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me. “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.
John 15:1-5
"I can do it!" "I've got this!" "I'm independent. I can handle it."
These are a few example phrases that my sister often responds with when I try to help her. For those who may not know, my sister has cerebral palsy and while she is absolutely amazing and smart, like all of us, there are areas where she has limitations.
As her caregiver, its my responsibility to ensure that she receives proper care and discern when I am to step in to assist or step back and allow her to grow in knowledge and strength. Sometimes I've offered to help because experience and knowledge has taught me that she is simply speaking from a place of limited perspective and knowledge yet I still had to force myself to sit back and pull a "you gon' learn today" move because of her protests of "I've got it!" Once she figures out that she "doesn't have it", she looks at me with a "can you help me please! " I'm usually already in position to help & I sometimes shake my head in frustration due to knowing that the issue could've been avoided if she'd said yes to help in the beginning. Operating in the role of a caregiver is both character building and rewarding.
There are many days of shedding tears but there are also days of laughter and smiles. There are also times where people may misunderstand , judge, or try to provide verbal instruction of how to provide care without actually lifting a finger to help or having applicable experience with being an adult caregiver. There are also days where you may question yourself about if you're doing enough or even condemn yourself for the feelings of frustration and weariness that you sometimes feel. These caregiving experiences are from a human perspective. God is the ultimate caregiver and He neither gets weary or tired which is why He's the perfect foundation and help.
While I can sit here and act as if my sister is the only one with the mindset of "I've got it", that would not be true. I've battled with the same mindset and if you're honest, so have you.
Many times we think that just because things sometimes come easy or since we've been doing something for a while, that its our own ability and hands that caused it.
I've also seen unbelievers become extremely " successful "by the world's standard and proclaim to be "self made". They falsely believe that they are in control. This mindset has caused believers to doubt God at times because of what looks to be a win on the surface. We must remember that what is unseen is more real than what is seen.
Its easy to get caught up in the hype of false teachings that exalt self over Christ. The truth of the matter is that without a genuine connection to Jesus Christ, everything that's done, will not be of any value eternally. This means that I can have the largest ministry in the world, speak the most elaborate prayers, give to every charity, have more degrees than a thermometer, be surrounded by thousands of friends, fast 364 out of 365 days a year, and memorize every scripture in the bible yet if I'm not connected to the True Source of life and power, its in vain.
A consistent, dependent, and enduring relationship with Jesus Christ is what produces eternal and good fruit. Without Him, we will be like a artificial tree with plastic fruit that looks good to the eye but upon closer examination it proves faulty. During the time of need, the fruit won't measure up because when you're hungry, you desire to taste real fruit that fills a hungry stomach, not plastic.
Keep in mind that fruit is not simply what's accomplished but also our character. Many times we have abundant gifts but our attitude and character lack. We complain and grumble when we should be speaking life so that the light of Christ can be seen clearly. A relationship in right standing with Jesus will always show in our relationship with one another because to really know Him is to love one another which is shown in our actions. We must learn to show honor even when dishonored by others. That can only be accomplished through a genuine and divine hook up!
So the next time you're tempted to say "I got it!" in response to your God given assignments, remember that you really don't but Jesus does so lean on Him in daily dependence and obedience and watch Him work and grow through your life for His glory! Delight in Him & He'll give you the desires of your heart. Do you have the hook up? If so, stay connected. If not, get connected through consistent prayer, worship, studying His Word, and obedience to what He tells you. Talk to you later!
Cheerfully in Christ,
Renate'
Photo Credit: www.drawingfromexperienceblog.WordPress.com
John 15:1-5
"I can do it!" "I've got this!" "I'm independent. I can handle it."
These are a few example phrases that my sister often responds with when I try to help her. For those who may not know, my sister has cerebral palsy and while she is absolutely amazing and smart, like all of us, there are areas where she has limitations.
As her caregiver, its my responsibility to ensure that she receives proper care and discern when I am to step in to assist or step back and allow her to grow in knowledge and strength. Sometimes I've offered to help because experience and knowledge has taught me that she is simply speaking from a place of limited perspective and knowledge yet I still had to force myself to sit back and pull a "you gon' learn today" move because of her protests of "I've got it!" Once she figures out that she "doesn't have it", she looks at me with a "can you help me please! " I'm usually already in position to help & I sometimes shake my head in frustration due to knowing that the issue could've been avoided if she'd said yes to help in the beginning. Operating in the role of a caregiver is both character building and rewarding.
There are many days of shedding tears but there are also days of laughter and smiles. There are also times where people may misunderstand , judge, or try to provide verbal instruction of how to provide care without actually lifting a finger to help or having applicable experience with being an adult caregiver. There are also days where you may question yourself about if you're doing enough or even condemn yourself for the feelings of frustration and weariness that you sometimes feel. These caregiving experiences are from a human perspective. God is the ultimate caregiver and He neither gets weary or tired which is why He's the perfect foundation and help.
While I can sit here and act as if my sister is the only one with the mindset of "I've got it", that would not be true. I've battled with the same mindset and if you're honest, so have you.
Many times we think that just because things sometimes come easy or since we've been doing something for a while, that its our own ability and hands that caused it.
I've also seen unbelievers become extremely " successful "by the world's standard and proclaim to be "self made". They falsely believe that they are in control. This mindset has caused believers to doubt God at times because of what looks to be a win on the surface. We must remember that what is unseen is more real than what is seen.
Its easy to get caught up in the hype of false teachings that exalt self over Christ. The truth of the matter is that without a genuine connection to Jesus Christ, everything that's done, will not be of any value eternally. This means that I can have the largest ministry in the world, speak the most elaborate prayers, give to every charity, have more degrees than a thermometer, be surrounded by thousands of friends, fast 364 out of 365 days a year, and memorize every scripture in the bible yet if I'm not connected to the True Source of life and power, its in vain.
A consistent, dependent, and enduring relationship with Jesus Christ is what produces eternal and good fruit. Without Him, we will be like a artificial tree with plastic fruit that looks good to the eye but upon closer examination it proves faulty. During the time of need, the fruit won't measure up because when you're hungry, you desire to taste real fruit that fills a hungry stomach, not plastic.
Keep in mind that fruit is not simply what's accomplished but also our character. Many times we have abundant gifts but our attitude and character lack. We complain and grumble when we should be speaking life so that the light of Christ can be seen clearly. A relationship in right standing with Jesus will always show in our relationship with one another because to really know Him is to love one another which is shown in our actions. We must learn to show honor even when dishonored by others. That can only be accomplished through a genuine and divine hook up!
So the next time you're tempted to say "I got it!" in response to your God given assignments, remember that you really don't but Jesus does so lean on Him in daily dependence and obedience and watch Him work and grow through your life for His glory! Delight in Him & He'll give you the desires of your heart. Do you have the hook up? If so, stay connected. If not, get connected through consistent prayer, worship, studying His Word, and obedience to what He tells you. Talk to you later!
Cheerfully in Christ,
Renate'
Photo Credit: www.drawingfromexperienceblog.WordPress.com
