Grow As a Branch of the Vine
by Margaret Southey
The Holy Spirit has been speaking to me through this verse over the past few months. He’s been showing me that a branch of the vine doesn’t choose its shape, the direction in which it grows or the quantity and quality of the fruit it bears. These all have their origin in the vine.
If we are the branches and Jesus is the vine, then we have to grow in the direction He dictates, and bear the fruit He chooses. This is contrary to our human nature, which tends to want to make decisions for ourselves, like what direction we, as branches, will take, and what kind of fruit we will bear. This can lead us to decide which ministry the Lord should give us and the fruit it should produce. We then ask, and even expect, Him to bless our decision.
The challenge for us is to grow as a branch of the vine; not attempt to be an independent branch that will have no value, will be cut off and thrown in the fire to be burnt.
Prayer: Father, please forgive me for making decisions that are not mine but Yours to make. Please help me to root myself so deeply in You that it is Your plans and purposes that are worked out in my life. Amen.
Margaret Southey is a wife, mother and grandmother. She has had a career in education. Her passion is to understand the truth of God’s Word and to share it with others. She is part of the ministry and teaching team of Ellel, Africa.
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