Remain or Reconnect // John 15:4

Today’s verse became real to me several years ago while I was trimming our hedges in the dog days of summer. I noticed that the leaves started wilting within a matter of moments after hitting the ground. It did not take long for the elements to cause them to wither when they were removed from the branch. The vine provides support and sustenance so the branches can thrive. Death begins immediately once a disconnection from the source occurs. You and I are much the same way. The elements of our fallen world do a number on us when we lose the support and sustenance we require. We might not notice it at first. Perhaps it starts with a shorter temper or higher anxiety. Maybe it leads to temptation to find relief or comfort in things of the world. The beauty of faith, however, is that death need only be temporary. Jesus invites us to reconnect and find abundant life unavailable apart from Him. Please take that to heart if you quit remaining in the Lord days or decades ago. You CAN reconnect. Turn back to Him and marvel at what He produces in you!