Epic Family,
I don’t know about you, but I’m really good at striving. The definition of striving is “to exert oneself vigorously; to try hard; to make something happen.” I’m always trying to make something happen. I’m not a person who likes to sit still. Now there are advantages and disadvantages to the way that I’m wired and even with what I’m most comfortable doing in my life.

While there is no doubt that God intends for us to get things accomplished in our lives, we must be careful that we’re getting it done in the way He designed us to get it done. Jesus speaks to this in the most famous passage in all of the Bible about abiding (notice that the NIV uses the word “remain” instead of “abide”, but I prefer the word “abide”) :

John 15: 4-5 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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.

You cannot bear fruit on your own. You and I cannot do anything significant on our own. I hope this news frees both you and me. We aren’t spiritual enough or gifted enough or old enough or whatever enough. What God wants to produce in and through your life cannot be produced by you alone.

You are not on your own. While you cannot bear fruit on your own, you are not on your own. We have this incredible invitation from Jesus to make our home in Him and to stay connected to Him. This is the secret to us not putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves to accomplish so much in life.

Do not miss out on a “with God” life. What would it look like if you and I attempted to make every moment of our life a “with God” moment? What is on your schedule today that you can invite God to be a part of? Maybe it’s a meeting. Or perhaps it’s a tough parenting conversation. Maybe it’s in gaining wisdom about how to lead your team at work. Whatever it is, invite God into it.

How do you know the difference between when you’re striving and when you’re abiding? Striving feels like endless hustle. Abiding involves rhythms of work and rest. Striving tends to bring anxiety, while abiding creates peace. Striving can distract us from what’s most important. Abiding helps us to be present to God and to those closest to us. Striving is about earning, while abiding is about receiving. Striving leads to despair when there’s failure and arrogance when there’s success. Abiding keeps us humble, yet confident.

Abiding with You,
Ben

P.S. The presence of shame in your life might cause you to strive instead of abide. For the next two Sundays, I'll be teaching about how shame disrupts your vocation and calling. RSVP to join us in person here.