The Proof Is in the Remaining
"If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me and my words abide in you ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." - John 15:6-8
At first glance, the disciple Judas looked like the rest. He followed Jesus, listened to His teaching, and even handled the group's finances. But in the end, he walked away. The outside appearance fooled everyone except Jesus. What revealed the truth was not how he started, but how he finished.
Jesus made it clear that fruit is the evidence of a true disciple. Not just emotional moments or good intentions, but consistent growth over time. In Matthew 13, He described seeds that sprouted quickly but withered because they had no roots. Others were choked out by worries or distractions. But only one kind of soil produced lasting fruit. The kind that remained.
Remaining is not passive. It means continuing to follow, even when it is hard. It means staying rooted when life pushes you to drift. Real faith does not fade when feelings do. It holds fast when storms hit.
You may not always feel strong, but if you are still holding on to Jesus, still choosing obedience, still seeking His voice, that is proof of something real. God is not looking for flashy starts. He is looking for steady growth.
You do not prove your faith by showing up once. You prove it by remaining over time. Keep showing up. Keep trusting. Keep growing. Your life will bear fruit that speaks louder than words.
At first glance, the disciple Judas looked like the rest. He followed Jesus, listened to His teaching, and even handled the group's finances. But in the end, he walked away. The outside appearance fooled everyone except Jesus. What revealed the truth was not how he started, but how he finished.
Jesus made it clear that fruit is the evidence of a true disciple. Not just emotional moments or good intentions, but consistent growth over time. In Matthew 13, He described seeds that sprouted quickly but withered because they had no roots. Others were choked out by worries or distractions. But only one kind of soil produced lasting fruit. The kind that remained.
Remaining is not passive. It means continuing to follow, even when it is hard. It means staying rooted when life pushes you to drift. Real faith does not fade when feelings do. It holds fast when storms hit.
You may not always feel strong, but if you are still holding on to Jesus, still choosing obedience, still seeking His voice, that is proof of something real. God is not looking for flashy starts. He is looking for steady growth.
You do not prove your faith by showing up once. You prove it by remaining over time. Keep showing up. Keep trusting. Keep growing. Your life will bear fruit that speaks louder than words.
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1 Comment
Amen ??