I Can Do Nothing - Encouragement Café - May 31, 2017

I Can Do Nothing
By Carolyn Dale Newell
Wednesday, May 31, 2017

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  John 15:1-2 NKJV

It is true; I can do nothing apart from Christ. I was trying to do a new project on the computer one night, and even though my husband was helping me, it was difficult.

I thought the app may work easier, but after the download, it would not let me log in. I was very discouraged.

I had decided to just give up on the whole thing. I asked God for direction, grabbed my comfort food, and planted myself in my rocking chair. 

I was beginning a new online Bible study. It was about perfection, or our lack of it. God spoke right to my heart about my discouragement. It took me back to the time when I was struggling to learn braille. I didn’t give up because I couldn’t.

I leaned on God to get me through it. I had not even asked Him for help on this project. How could I expect success without God?  However, the verse that helped me during my braille lessons was one that I needed now.

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV

That is the promise that I will cling to as I tackle this new project.

Christ is the vine, and we are the branches. Fruit cannot grow apart from the vine, and Christians cannot bear fruit apart from Christ. Christ is our source of power and strength which we need to live godly lives.

”Abide” means to dwell or remain. We must continually abide in Christ.

Perhaps You are discouraged. Maybe you need to be reminded like I did, to take it to God. Consistently abide in Christ, leaning on His strength in all you do. Jesus will never disappoint you.  

How do we abide in Christ?

• Daily Bible Study – Dig deep into God’s Word. There are many online Bible studies available, including the one at Encouragement Café.
• Apply what you read in scripture to your life. ”Be doers of the word, and not hearers only...” >James 1:22 NKJV.
• Spend time in prayer.
• Put Christ at the center of your life.

Dear Jesus, help me to include You in everything I do. I can do nothing without You. I need You today to help me with all things. Thank You! In Your Name, I pray. Amen!

© 2017 by Carolyn Dale Newell.  All rights reserved.

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