Abiding in God

John 15:7-8 says: 'If you abide in Me, and if My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.'

Here we have the Christian faith explained in a simple and clear manner.

A propositional blessing is offered: ‘If you abide in God, and if His words abide in you, then when you ask something of Him (according to His will, as outlined in 1 John 5:14-15) He shall do it for you.

The purpose, however as explained in verse 8, is not to give you everything you want, but to glorify God, and to teach us to bear fruit. This is also how we know if what we ask is according to His will. If what you ask for will glorify Him, then it is most likely according to His will. The answer is given also to make disciples out of us. When we are in line with God’s will, we are at peace with Him. In this place of peace and rest (Psalm 37:7) we know that what we seek is according to His will, and that He will provide.

The question then becomes: ‘How do we reach the place where we are patient in the Lord?’ Like many things in the believers’ journey, the answer is simple but hard. We must endure trials. Many passages address this uncomfortable but vital feature of the life of faith. We will address them in the next post.

For now, meditate on the wonderful truth of God’s living Word, that if you abide in Him, and if His words abide in you, then He will do for you what you ask. Do not doubt, only believe. He is able. He is mighty. We serve a mighty God! Who is with you in the darkest valleys? He is with you.'

May God bless you and keep you.