One of Jesus’ great promises is found in John 15:7, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” With such a great promise, why is it that we so often wander away or on purpose, stop following Him?
The word “abide” basically means to stay put! Like Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” STAND FIRM! STAY PUT! When things don’t go our way – stay put! When it get’s difficult – stay put! When we don’t understand what is happening – stay put!
So, how do we abide, or “stay put”?
1. Develop a strong determination to walk wisely. We can learn from Daniel, where he determined to do what was right “Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8)
2. Meditate on God’s Word. Instead of getting all caught up in the things and affairs of this life, focus on God! “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
3. Learn to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Let your life be guided completely by God! “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
4. Realize that God alone is your source of strength. Remember that abiding in Christ and following Him is a difficult and often times impossible road – we can’t do it without help from above! “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” (Psalm 91:1-2)
5. Have the courage to obey Him. Even when it does seem impossible, and we don’t know what the outcome will be, have the courage to trust and obey! “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7)