John 15:12-17

Be Still: Lord, make me aware of your presence here with me. Thank you that your Word is alive and breathing; would you use it to speak to me now. Amen

Read: John 15:12-17

‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.’ (v16)

Encounter:  At the beginning of every new year, there’s lots of chat about how to succeed, and how to succeed quickly. The new year has a way of bolstering us with newfound hope and confidence – run a marathon next month? Easy! Fluent in French by March? Done! Read the whole Bible in 4 weeks? Sorted. (Guilty) And yet how many of us on February 11th, a mere 5 weeks into the year, have already given up. The race for success is usually fleeting.

I sometimes worry that this approach to success might be evident in my walk with Jesus - fleeting and fickle. That no matter how hard I try, discipline gives way and distractedness reigns. And yet, in true Jesus style, he challenges our approach to success.  Kingdom success does not look the way the world tells us it looks: it’s not about our accomplishment or strife or our ability to remain disciplined -- it’s about 'growing good fruit' -- allowing him to produce good character within us. 

One thing I know about fruit is it grows slowly and in its specific season. It doesn’t happen fast or overnight; it can’t be achieved in one new year's resolution. But it happens slowly, over time as we connect into the vine that is Jesus. Not our work, but his. Jesus promises that the fruit produced is not fleeting, but a fruit that will last. 

Trust in the work of the gardener today, that his path to success looks quite different from yours. He will be the one to grow good, long-lasting fruit in you.

Apply: Today, there is no need to strive; instead respond to his call to remain. Take a moment to centre yourself upon Jesus, to give your day over to him. Ask him to shape and define what ‘success’ or fruitfulness might look like for you. 

Devote: Jesus, thank you that you are the One who grows good fruit in me. Please help me to let go of striving and hold onto you.