Along The Road

“Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” (Mark 10:52)

As I travel along this road we call life, I have learned and experienced a lot since becoming a born again follower of Jesus, somewhere back in the emotionally turbulent year of 1993.

And now, after twenty incredible, and equally turbulent years of seeking to know Jesus, follow Him, learn from Him, striving to obey Him (but often failing miserably), desiring to draw near to Him, wanting to truly hear His voice, and be in His presence, I can sum up my entire Christian-life experience in one verse from the Bible, where Jesus said:

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Without Jesus I can do nothing.

Jesus is the vine—the Life source; the root. I am only a branch. And no good fruit can be produced unless it originates from the root—the true Vine. Without Jesus, I am just a dead branch. Disconnected. Lifeless. Fruitless. Barren.

Man can try to pull himself up by his bootstraps. "Cowboy up." Build his castle. Succeed in business. Kill his own food. Destroy his enemies with his cache of high-powered weapons.

But this business of spiritual transformation, of changing one's own heart—living a life that bears true spiritual fruit to God—this can only come from and through Jesus Christ.

In twenty years of walking with Jesus, I have seen a lot of "Christian activity." People scurrying about like pious ants, busy trying to "do" things for God. Countless church programs, projects and expansions. A specific ministry for every conceivable group. Hip, musical entertainment, culturally tailored to make everyone happy.

Lots of white-washing the outside, trying to look good for others to see. 

But behind the closed doors of men's and women's souls, most of the people I have known are empty, burnt out, weary, disillusioned, and discouraged.

I mean, let's be honest, this 'Christianity thing' isn't turning out the way most of you had hoped. Right?

That "happy little life" that we all thought would be ours if we just try to love others, faithfully go to church, and be "good Christian people" seems elusive. 

The problem is, that "happy little life" was never promised to us by God. 

Oh sure, the televangelists and prosperity preachers all promised it to you, especially if you sowed a financial seed into their so-called 'ministry.' But those prosperity folks sold you a false bill of goods when they promised you, "If you give your life to Jee-zus, He will instantly solve all your problems and give you continuous health, wealth and happiness!" 

Here are just a few promises the Bible actually does make to faithful Christian followers of Christ:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Don't get me wrong. There is an amazing peace and joy available to Christians who put their trust in God. But that promised peace and joy comes in the midst of our trials and suffering—not make us immune to it.

We have an enemy who opposes us; our adversary—the Devil—who only comes to steal, kill, and destroy (see John 10:10).

Where did you think this opposition was coming from?

Do you think you're not experiencing the happy little Christian life because you're just not doing enough, not working hard enough for God?

Listen, that legalistic works trip was laid on you by Satan, not by Jesus.

You are weary, burnt out and discouraged because you are buying into the lie that you have to do more and work harder to gain God's love, favor and approval.

Trying to do anything in your own strength, apart from Christ, is an exercise in futility.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

Without Jesus, you can do nothing.

You can't be the husband or wife you're supposed to be without His help, strength, patience, and His love. You can't be the parent you're supposed to be for the same reasons. You can't be the employee you're supposed to be at work without Jesus. You can't succeed in life without Jesus helping you. You can't do anything good that will truly benefit others without Jesus giving you His power to do so. You can't do anything fruitful without Jesus working in and through you to accomplish it.

If you are weary, and are carrying a heavy burden, give it up. If you desperately need rest for your soul, lay it all down at the feet of Jesus today:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

Quit trying to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. Stop trying to 'make it happen.'

Without Jesus you can do nothing.

Come to Jesus. Surrender your weary heart and frazzled mind to Him, and He will fill you, refresh you, and His love, kindness and mercy will flow freely through you onto others. 

By this will God be glorified.

—God is Love and Love Never Fails.