PART ONE

Telling Our Story While Abiding in Him

When it comes to our stories, no one knows them better than we do. You know the ins and outs of your journey, the details of every experience. But here’s the challenge: we all like to see ourselves as the heroes in our own stories. That’s normal!

However, it can also mean that we’re not always the most objective when looking at the details of our lives. We have a tendency to paint ourselves in a favorable light, and sometimes, we might even see others—or even God—as the antagonists in our stories.

The problem arises when we approach hardship and suffering this way. You might ask yourself, “Why is this happening to me?” or, “Why, when I’m doing all the right things, do I still find myself stuck in difficulty?” It’s easy to feel like something’s gone wrong in your story—especially when you’re trying your best, and yet things aren’t going the way you expected.

But let’s pause for a moment and reframe this conversation. Jesus invites us to abide in Him, reminding us that apart from Him, we can do nothing. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, ESV). This is a powerful reminder that our ability to navigate hardship—let alone anything in life—comes from staying connected to Him.

What’s striking is that Jesus doesn’t say we can do a few things apart from Him; He says we can do *nothing* apart from Him. That means the simplest tasks to the hardest moments of suffering all require dependence on Him. So, as we face hardship and suffering, we do well to recognize our deep need for Jesus. Every hour, every moment—we need Him.

Key Takeaways

As we dive deeper into John 15:1-8, we find a few key truths about abiding in Christ. Here are three to consider:

1. Bearing Fruit and Pruning

Jesus tells us that every branch that bears fruit is pruned by the Father, the vinedresser. This means hardship and suffering are not always a punishment or a consequence of sin. In fact, God might be pruning you not because you’re doing something wrong but because you’re already producing fruit, and He wants to bring about even more. But pruning is painful, and it can be hard to see the purpose in the midst of it.

2. Pruning for Growth

Just like a gardener pruning plants for better growth, God’s process of pruning us—cutting away what hinders or harms—leads to more fruit, healthier fruit, and enduring fruit. This doesn’t mean it’s easy. Pruning is uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for greater growth and deeper maturity in Christ.

3. Productivity and Eternal Perspective

When you face hardships, try to shift your perspective from the immediate pain to the eternal purpose. It’s okay to acknowledge the discomfort and challenges but don’t let them define you. Instead, thank God for what He’s doing through the difficulty. He’s pruning you to produce fruit that lasts for His glory and for your good.

God’s work in your life is never wasted, and His pruning is always purposeful. As you tell your story and navigate hardship, remember that God is working in and through you. Trust the process, even when it’s painful because the fruit He’s producing in your life will endure.

Additional Scripture References

• John 15:1-8
• Philippians 4:13
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
• Luke 18:9-14
• Ephesians 2:10
• Philippians 1:6
• Psalm 28:2
• Psalm 30:8
• Psalm 51:1
• Psalm 55:1
• Psalm 123:3

Study Questions

1. How does understanding that God prunes the fruitful branches change the way you view your hardships?
2. What might God be pruning in your life right now, and how can you trust Him in that process?
3. How does the metaphor of the vine and branches help you understand your dependence on Jesus, especially in seasons of difficulty?