Spring is beautiful in the Pacific Northwest—and a welcome guest after the long winters. The birds return, and the glorious crocuses, daffodils, and tulips mysteriously emerge from their earthy slumber. The fruit trees suddenly explode with pink and white blossoms. Finally, the fragrant lilacs and bright yellow flowering forsythias assure us that spring has truly arrived. It is a marvelous celebration of the returning warmth of the season.
One spring I noticed a problem with a particular cherry tree in our front yard. It appeared to be struggling. Two of its branches were damaged a few years earlier when the foundation of our home was being constructed. In order to properly balance this tree, a new limb needed to be grafted onto the existing trunk. Grafting is a fascinating process. The branch by itself is nothing. It has no way of living let alone producing life. But once the branch is properly attached to the tree, it begins to receive nourishment from the trunk. Successfully grafted into a source of energy, a source of life, the branch will eventually bear fruit.
In a similar manner, I see how insignificant my role in ministry is compared to the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). My source of true energy and strength comes from Jesus Christ. This is what it means to be filled with the Spirit. When we attach ourselves to Jesus, we put ourselves under the influence and control of His Spirit, His guidance, and His power. If we are tapped into this source of life, we will produce good fruit. The Apostle Paul wrote: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:22-23a).
God wants us all to be filled with the Spirit, spiritually grafted into His power and energy. When a branch is tested by wind and fire it relies upon the trunk to hold it up and feed it with additional nourishment. In the Christian life, we abide in Jesus who strengthens and encourages us back to health. “Abiding” is about a relationship with Jesus, about trusting God for the strength and inspiration that enables us to be successful and purposeful in our daily living. In this way God gets the glory and our gratitude: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:10).
When I am productive and fruitful, it is not by my strength but rather the power of Christ within me. In Paul’s words, I know “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). The more I tap into His power, grace, goodness, love, knowledge, guidance, and faithfulness, the more I’m able to become pure, kind, gentle, forgiving, and a person of faith. This means my dependence, trust, and focus must be upon Him if I am to bear fruit. Godly character and good works are not my responsibility. My responsibility is to rest in Him and trust in Him to do in me, through me, and for me.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:6-7
Personal Application: Are you tired, discouraged, or struggling? Are you trying to do everything your own way, in your own time, and in your own power. Trust God for your strength, your accomplishments, and your good works. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, He will provide the power and might for you to succeed.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5