Day 1

John 15:4 (ESV) “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

Most of us have spent years trying to be better Christians—reading more, praying harder, committing to do more for God. But Jesus never called us to be more productive for Him. He called us to abide in Him. And abiding is not about effort—it’s about receiving.

Think about it: a branch doesn’t work to stay connected to the vine. It doesn’t wake up every morning trying to prove itself. It just stays put, and the vine does the work—sending life, nourishment, and strength. Yet, so often, we live as if our connection to Jesus depends on us. We exhaust ourselves, trying to force fruitfulness instead of resting in the One who produces it in us.

That’s why abiding feels foreign. We’re conditioned to measure success by what we accomplish, but the kingdom doesn’t work that way. Life in Christ isn’t about achieving closeness to God. It’s about realizing we already have it.

The Story of Corrie ten Boom: Finding Peace in the Presence of God

Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian, spent years working with her family to hide Jews from the Nazis during World War II. When she was eventually arrested and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, the suffering was unimaginable. Death surrounded her. Her sister, Betsie, grew weaker by the day. Hunger, cruelty, and hopelessness were everywhere.

One night, overwhelmed by despair, Corrie whispered, “Where is God in this place?”
Betsie’s response was quiet but unshakable: “Corrie, He is here.”

That moment changed Corrie forever. She realized that abiding in God’s presence wasn’t about feeling His nearness—it was about trusting His nearness, even when she couldn’t feel it. His presence was just as real in a Nazi prison as it had been in their warm home.

She later wrote, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

Corrie survived the war, but the lesson stayed with her: abiding isn’t about location, circumstance, or emotion. It’s about a deep, unwavering trust that no matter how dark things get, God is present and enough.

Why Does This Matter?
• We mistake busyness for intimacy. We think doing more for Jesus is the same as being with Him.
• We chase feelings instead of faith. We assume His presence is only real when we “feel” something.
• We forget the Gospel. We live like God’s love fluctuates based on our performance.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to fight for what Jesus already gave you. Abiding isn’t about striving, it’s about staying. It’s about waking up every morning knowing you are already fully loved, fully accepted, and fully connected to Christ—not because of what you do, but because of what Jesus did.

Reflection:
1. Are you living as if God’s presence depends on your effort?
2. What would change if you truly believed you are already close to Him?
3. How can you remind yourself today that abiding is about receiving, not achieving?

Take a deep breath. Right now. Instead of trying harder, trust deeper. Whisper this to yourself throughout the day: “Jesus, I’m already in You. You’re already in me. That’s enough.”