“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
Several years ago while coaching middle school track, I was asked by Isaac, a non-ambulatory young boy, if he could join the team. His parents, friends, and I devised a plan, obtained permission from our conference, and welcomed Isaac aboard. His buddies on the team pushed him at practices in his cart, and then pushed him in races. Isaac took on anything from the 100 meter dash to the 3,200 meter run, and even was the anchor leg for our 4×400 meter relay!
His greatest joy, however, was competing in the high jump. He dreamed of flying over that bar like he’d seen his friends do. So in our final meet, Isaac’s parents, sister, and best friends literally tossed him over the bar! He was elated! Though he could do absolutely nothing for himself, he found utter delight trusting in the able hands of his friends and family.
In John’s gospel we read that we can do nothing apart from Christ. Like Isaac, we’re called to put our dependence on Him. In that place of total trust in the One who is able to do more than we ask or imagine, we find true peace and joy.
His greatest joy, however, was competing in the high jump. He dreamed of flying over that bar like he’d seen his friends do. So in our final meet, Isaac’s parents, sister, and best friends literally tossed him over the bar! He was elated! Though he could do absolutely nothing for himself, he found utter delight trusting in the able hands of his friends and family.
In John’s gospel we read that we can do nothing apart from Christ. Like Isaac, we’re called to put our dependence on Him. In that place of total trust in the One who is able to do more than we ask or imagine, we find true peace and joy.
Scripture Focus
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Insight
“What a fellowship, what a joy divine,/ Leaning on the everlasting arms.” (Elisha A. Hoffman, 1887)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 19-20
- Psalm 17
- Matthew 24
