"Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing." "Remain in my love." Two summers ago, I was led to these words in the Gospel of John chapter 15 during our busy summer scheme program. "without me you can do nothing..." What powerful words. What truth. What wisdom. As I began my first summer with Youth Initiatives I needed to be continually rooted and remain close to the branch of Christ. Without Christ we can do nothing.
Each morning, I reread the words of John 15 allowing God's word to seep into my soul.
"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain." Fruit that will remain. I know as a missionary we often don't get the privilege to see the fruit of our labors. There are so many stories of missionaries who were out in the field for years and years without any change or lives given over to the Lord, yet they remained faithful trusting the God who chose them.
Even though, I know this can be the case for many missionaries, I'm grateful that it is not my experience. Rather I am blessed to see so much fruit around me. When I begin to question my job or what I'm doing, a friend would often ask me to stop and look around seeing the fruit of my labours. Yet I know it's not because of anything I have done, but rather what God has done in and through me. "By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."
Paul says "Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth." -1 Corinthians 3.7
Over the past three years, I have seen so much growth in the lives of young people I work with. Often I can get discouraged doing faith based work because so many people just don't care or are complacent. Often young people don't want to change or work to improve their lives. But I've learned that this work is a very very slow work and I have to look for "extraordinary ordinaries." Moments that could just be overlooked, but are actually ordinary. A softening of hearts, a moment of respect, a prayer said aloud, picking up rubbish, an honest conversation, a tear shed, responsibility taken, a question of faith, a penny dropping, a light bulb going on, etc. "Extraordinary Ordinaries" Fruit being born. Lives being transformed. Miracles being witnessed.
There has been a group of girls I have poured into for the past 3 years and particularly this summer. I've been so grateful to see hope awakened faith come alive, and fruit springing forth in them. I asked them to share something about our time together and how they have grown. I don't tell you these things to boast, but rather to thank God for the growth that He has caused. I am humbled and grateful that He keeps pruning me in order that my life may bear fruit. It isn't an easy process, but it is such a gift from God. Because without Him we can do nothing...
From the Girls:
"I have learned from you that it's ok to struggle sometimes and find things hard to believe and ask questions a lot."
"You're always positive and ready to go."
"You've taught me to stop and think about my options before reacting to situations."
"I feel comfortable confiding in you when things aren't so great and you help me to cherish life when it is going well. You've taught me also that beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
"You've helped me grow in my faith."
Fruit that Remains... I've always loved gardening, but only God knows how and when the fruit/ veg/ flowers will grow. He is the one who causes it to grow. We just need to be faithful with our part- planting or weeding or tilling or watering or replanting or... we must be faithful and remain in His love for that is the only way in which we can bear fruit that remains. We must bear fruit that remains because it is only then that we can truly be Christ's disciples- His followers- His friends but it is only by remaining in Him or else it is all for nothing. "Remain in me as I remain in you... I am the vine, and you are the branches."
