You can: With Him, but Not Without Him.

I was thinking and wondering why we fail at some of our goals, plans, and resolutions for the new year, and then it hit me hard: “that we can with God, but not without God.”

Purple grape fruits on a tree

Jesus told us that He is the vine, and we are the branches, and went on to say that the branch must remain connected to the vine to bear fruit.

“I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.” John 15:5

We can bear fruit when we stay connected: “remain in Him, and He is in us.” So we can with Him, but not without Him.

Our prayers are also answered when we stay connected:

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. (John 15:7)

So it is a double package for us in this new year, as we remain in God, and He is in us. First, we can do all things, like Paul says:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:16)

Second, our prayers will be answered, as Jesus tells us:

Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your happiness may be complete. (John 16:24)

Please note that we can ask for anything. Also, remember that God has said in His Word that with Him, nothing is impossible:

“For there is nothing that God cannot do.” (Luke 1:37)

So this year, let’s stay connected to God, which means we are constantly talking to Him and seeking Him in every step we take. It also means that we allow God’s word to cleanse us.

Jesus is the vine, and God is the gardener:

“I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit. (John 15:1–2)

Let’s go…connected with Jesus, and Cheers to a good year ahead of us!