Why Can't I Follow Jesus in My Own Strength?

Have you ever decided, “I'm going to do better this time,” only to find yourself struggling with the same things again?

Following Jesus can feel difficult when we try to do it in our own strength.

Jesus gives us a different way. Jesus Is the Vine.

Jesus says:

“I am the vine; you are the branches.”John 15:5

A branch cannot live independently from the vine. It depends on the vine for life.

Jesus uses this picture to teach us something important: we depend on Him.

Trying Harder Is Not the Same as Depending on Jesus

We can easily turn obedience into self-reliance.

We make a plan. We try harder. We promise ourselves we will not fail again. And eventually, we become discouraged when our own strength is not enough.

Jesus says:

“Apart from me you can do nothing.”John 15:5

He is telling us where our strength comes from.

Jesus Gives Us What We Need

When we abide in Christ, we depend on Him for the strength to follow Him.

• When we are tempted, we turn to Him.

• When we are discouraged, we turn to Him.

• When we don't know what to do, we ask Him for wisdom.

• When we fail, we confess our sin and return to Him.

The Christian life is life with Jesus.

Dependence Is Not Weakness

Sometimes we think needing help means we are weak. But dependence on Jesus is exactly what He calls us to. A branch does not apologize for needing the vine. Neither should we be ashamed to say, “Jesus, I need You.” We need Him to forgive us, teach us, change us, and help us love others.

Remain in Him.

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ROOTED | Formation: Abide in Christ

This article is based on the ROOTED Discipleship Program.