I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. —John 15:5

God is the energy source behind all transformational change, and that includes getting healthy. He will not only show us the way, but will also give us the motivation and power to succeed as we look to him. Think how intimate the connection is between a grape vine and a branch. The branch has to be fully attached; otherwise, there’s no flow of nutrients. That’s how closely connected we need to be to Jesus, our vine.

We sometimes wonder why the change process is so up and down rather than smooth sailing. God doesn’t tell us why, but this pattern does reinforce our dependence on him. If we sustain our connection to him through his Word and prayer, we find that slowly our lives will bear the fruit of consistent and lasting change. As the psalmist said, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11).

Food for Thought: Cling to the vine to stay closely connected to the true Source.

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