“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
Before my wife and I took a trip to Spain to visit friends many years ago, God moved in our hearts to pray for two dear ones we’d be meeting up with there. We greatly desired that they would come to know the good news of Jesus Christ. Believing the Holy Spirit would give us opportunities, we were ready to speak of what an abundant life in Him is like.
At a lively dinner and through long conversation with the family, not a single opportunity to share or discuss the gospel came up. We wondered why the Lord hadn’t opened that door. But after the meal, our other friend came to us and insisted, “I have questions, and you will give me answers.” Hours later, we had indeed shared the gospel with him, doing so in the Holy Spirit’s timing, not ours.
That trip powerfully reinforced for us our complete dependence on God for opportunities to share the gospel. We may think He is not moving in hearts; we may think He is not using us. Be patient. As you remain in Him, He will show you how He produces an abundance of spiritual fruit in His children.
At a lively dinner and through long conversation with the family, not a single opportunity to share or discuss the gospel came up. We wondered why the Lord hadn’t opened that door. But after the meal, our other friend came to us and insisted, “I have questions, and you will give me answers.” Hours later, we had indeed shared the gospel with him, doing so in the Holy Spirit’s timing, not ours.
That trip powerfully reinforced for us our complete dependence on God for opportunities to share the gospel. We may think He is not moving in hearts; we may think He is not using us. Be patient. As you remain in Him, He will show you how He produces an abundance of spiritual fruit in His children.
Scripture Focus
John 15:1-8
Insight
“Living in the Spirit means that I trust the Holy Spirit to do in me what I cannot do myself.” (Watchman Nee, 1938)
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 29-30
- Psalm 118
- 1 Corinthians 10