but fail

One of the things I have enjoyed through ministry is sitting with people who have been serving for many years.  I have had the great honor to sitting with and talking with some incredible people.  Some have been pastors who led their churches for a long time.  Others have been part of churches and ministries where they graciously served.

Understand this point, we must learn from our elders.  Learn from the people who have sacrificed their time, energy and resources to serve God and others.  These conversations may help us avoid pitfalls and heartache through the years we get to serve.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk with a friend.  He and his wife are about 40 years older than me and have been served God for many decades.  This man has done jail ministry for years.  Before that he was a chaplain to truckers.  His story and testimony is incredible.  I love to hear how God has spoken to him and how God worked through him.

Something that my friend Joe said yesterday hit me hard, and I wanted to share it with you.

John 15:5  NLT

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

It is the last part of that verse.  John wrote, and the words were in red because Jesus spoke them.  He said, “apart from me you can do nothing.”  My friend Joe said you have to add two words to that sentence, “but fail”.  He said, “apart from me you can do nothing BUT FAIL.”  That will preach.

We are headed toward failure when we disconnect our lives from God.  What we try to do on our own sets us on a path to fail. 

The older I get the more I hear and understand this great wisdom from those who have walked this road much longer than I have.  Joe has encountered failure, and his desire is to keep me from doing the same.  Wait.  Really Joe’s desire is to help me and others experience the presence and glory of God as he has.

I can listen to Joe’s stories for hours.  My job is to learn and grow. 

Without God’s help and staying connected to Him, I will and you will fail.  That is not what we want.  Nor is it what God intends for us.  So, remain connected to God and produce much fruit.

“Apart from me you can do nothing but fail.”