Meet Me in the Mundane
By Drew Hunt
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you…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 15:4-5 NIV
I heard the splat followed by a sizzle.
Then steamy plumes hovering over the boiling pot as a reminder, my burning dinner was one more thing needing attention.
With our three toddlers and preschooler’s harmonizing wails, toy pieces scattering, timers dinging, dishes piling in the sink and my husband traveling for work, I was outnumbered and wishing I could grow a set of GoGo Gadget arms.
In frustration I called out from the kitchen sink, “Lord, I’m drowning here, can you throw me a lifeline?”
Ever been there?
Right about that moment while scurrying to fix plates for the hungry small people tracing laps around me, I accidentally bumped my phone to see the screen pop open with a verse out of my morning devotion reading.
From John 15 it read: “Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself…”
Remain in Me.
Now, I've glossed over this verse 1,000 times, even while making paper grape vine replicas in Vacation Bible School.
But in the sweet way only God can, clangs of chaos hushed just enough for me to hear Jesus spring up through those words with a fresh perspective as if to say, “You are mine; I know what you’re up against and that’s why I’ve made Myself constantly available to you.”
What I’d always seen as a message of intimidation was suddenly a loving invitation for a relationship with us built on trust.
So His Word wasn’t to condemn my shortcomings, but encourage freedom from the pressure of them.
Jesus was showing me vines and branches aren’t just intertwined when it’s convenient or connect when life’s going well. The vine is the dedicated lifeline to branches, with roots running deep, offering security and drawing up nutrients for the branches to flourish and bear fruit.
Because we live in a culture that often celebrates a fierce reliance on self, seasons of survival mode can leave us believing the lie that we’re on our own.
But as we’re reminded in this passage, that is not God’s plan for His kids.
So how can we stay connected with our Lifeline?
Reading: reading His Word in quiet time trains our heart to hear God’s voice through even life’s loudest moments.
Worshiping: beyond Sunday morning and having gratitude in our challenges builds character and opportunities to experience God’s goodness. It’s how we glorify and thank God for His love and mercy but it’s also a weapon to demolish the enemy and secures our minds.
Speaking: make Jesus our first response not our last resort by talking with and praising Him through our day, even when it’s tough. No need to wait until we’re feeling happy or have our act together. Simply speaking His name sweeps away darkness. He’s always faithful and present in times of trouble.
Reading that verse didn’t magically drop a super nanny on my doorstep.
Something better happened-truth was whispered that reinvigorated my soul by connecting me with the Vine Himself, because God’s Word is alive, friend! Reading and speaking it activates Heaven.
We have a Lifeline that is committed to our flourishing.
And when we choose to receive Him, no matter the circumstances, an abundance of fruit is ours to bear.
Dear Lord, thank You for being our constant Lifeline of grace. Help us remember that while we may not be able to change current circumstances, when we stay connected and bring our worries to You, we will always find the rest and peace our souls crave.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
