Why are you still trying to do things on your own?

“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.  NKJV

The title of today's reading says it all, 'Why are you still trying to do things on your own?' Think about it, you are not independent if you belong to Jesus. In everything, you are dependent on Him. Now, some people will say they are dependent on no-one, which is a person's choice. But, if you profess to be a Christian and still want to be in charge of what you do and don't do, then you are going to be on the road to nowhere. Put it this way, Jesus may ask you to do a certain thing or go somewhere but you, may not like this idea and may think of a better way of doing things. Straightaway you are in a struggle.

Proverbs 3:5-6 puts it this way: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths'.

Note the 'with all your heart' and 'lean not on your own understanding' and finally, 'In all your ways acknowledge Him'. Solomon didn't put these phrases in there to fill space. They are important directives for all who believe in God.

(1)  'with all your heart'  This means you give yourself to Him hook, line and sinker. You do not belong to yourself anymore; you gave up that right when you gave yourself to Jesus. He gives you all of His heart and He expects the same in return. He doesn't belong to you; you belong to Him. There's a big difference here; if He belongs to you then you are in the driving seat. This is not the way it is, Jesus is in the driving seat.

(2)  'lean not on your own understanding'  God has an understanding far greater than you will ever have. He sees the future. He sees the advantages and the pitfalls. He knows what is best for you and what isn't. He knows who will help you and who will lead you astray. You need Him.(3)  'In all your ways acknowledge Him'. When Jesus speaks to you - listen. If you're not good at listening, train yourself to do so. God speaks to people through the bible but also through that soft voice from within, so pay attention or you may miss things. Whatever you think about, whatever you are planning to do or whatever you are anxious about, give it all to Him. He's great at sorting things out when you do this.

Above all remember, there are no Lone Rangers in the Kingdom Of God, not even Jesus because He always consults with His Father. Therefore, do the same, acknowledge Him in all you do or think.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. 

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

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