I woke up at 2am, early in the morning. Opened my phone, checked the messages, and decided to sit at my table. For the first time in forever, again, I was able to grab my Bible and devotional notebook. I didn’t have any plans at first. It’s just that, it always comes to my mind the word “Abide.”
So I took it, read it, and studied it deeper. But I did something new at that time. I decided to record on my phone. With different angles. I don't know, I just want to try something new. A new way to connect, to enjoy, to relax, and just feel as normal as I can be.
In this season, It kinda feels like a cycle. My mental state at work and my ministry was some kind of burden to me. And it’s always, always, always have something to deal with my mentor. (I'll deal with her next time. For now, it's just me and Jesus)
I don't know why back then, but now I think I know.
These words were running through my mind over and over again...
"Anak, ang kulang sayo... 'abide'."
"You can do nothing without Me.
Baka kaya ka ganyan dahil wala Ako.
Isama mo ako sa mga plano mo.
Maliit man yan o malaki.
Spend time with me... daily.
Because that's the truth.
Without me in a day...
you cannot do anything."
This is very true. It's hard to admit when I'm in my darkest situation. 'Coz you know, there was a big block of a wall in front of me and I can't see or hear anything positive.
So what is the meaning of "Abide?"
According to Google, it is to accept or act in accordance with; decision, recommendation, or a rule.
In Strong's Greek definition, another word is to "Remain"
- To remain, abide, stay, wait; to wait (verb)
"God says to abide, to stay, to remain in Jesus."
Remain in me, and I will remain in you.
For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine.
And you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
So what is "produce?"
- cause a result or situation to happen; or come into existence.
What is "bear"
In Strong's Greek definition, it is to carry, bear, bring;
conduct, lead.
There you go, "lead". Something to do with my leadership both in my work and in my ministry. While I'm reading this chapter, I feel like God is really talking to me. He wants me to understand what He's doing in my life, and that I should be reminded to "remain" in His arms.
So if I will rephrase the verse;
"Stay in me, and I will stay in you.
For you cannot lead if you are without me."
For apart from me you can do nothing.
So what are the lessons on this journey?
(v4a) Just stay, and He will stay in you. Even when the enemy knocks you down saying you can't do or achieve anything. I mean, that's true. You can't do anything without Jesus, right? Just look again at all the victories you've encountered with Jesus. He remained and will remain forever.
2. Don't do it by yourself.
(v4b) The branch cannot produce fruit if it's not connected to the vine. Just like us. We are the branch, Jesus is the vine.
We cannot produce, lead, or conduct if we don't have any connection with Jesus at all. That's the reason why it's so hard for us to achieve anything. Because we are doing it by ourselves, by our own strength and plans. Because we are so proud that we got this, well, in fact, we don't. We need Jesus in everything we do.
(v4c) You cannot lead "unless" you remain, stay or abide in Him.
Unless means a conditional particle, or "except"
And it hits me. Nothing will ever change unless I do something.
I can see the bigger picture now. I know the real reason behind all of these shenanigans. Do you know what the bottom line is?
Humility in Him. He should be the boss. He should be the priority once and for all. Not you, not your work, not your ministry, not your family, but J E S U S.
