Happy Friday, everyone!

This week, I had the incredible joy of holding our first granddaughter.

You know, there’s something about holding a newborn that really just seems to slow everything down.

I found myself studying every tiny finger, every little yawn, every peaceful breath she took. You just can’t help but marvel at the miracle of new life.

And as I held her, I was struck by something else.

You know, a baby enters this world completely dependent on others. She can’t feed herself, protect herself, or even comfort herself. She needs loving arms to hold her and voices to calm her, and people to care for her every moment of every day.

And for some reason, as adults, we often think we’ve outgrown that kind of dependance. We pride ourselves on being self-sufficient. We convince ourselves that needing help is weakness. We tell ourselves we should be able to handle life’s challenges on our own.

I don’t know about you, but the older I get, the more I realize the opposite is true.

Yes, I no longer need someone to feed me or teach me how to walk, but I do need encouragement when I’m discouraged. I need wisdom and counsel when decisions become difficult. I need friends who will pray for me and with me. I need brothers and sisters in Christ who remind me of God’s promises when my own faith grows weary.

And most of all, I need Jesus.

Perhaps that’s why his words have been on my heart this week.

“I am the Vine. You are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Notice Jesus doesn’t say we can do a little less apart from Him.
He says apart from Him we can do nothing.

So dependance isn’t a sign of spiritual immaturity.
It’s actually the very heart of the Christian life.

Every new day is another invitation to abide in Christ, to receive His strength, His wisdom, His grace, and His peace.

Just as my little granddaughter rests securely in the loving arms of those who care for her, we’re invited to rest in the everlasting arms of our Heavenly Father.

As you head into this weekend, don’t be afraid to admit where you need help. Lean into the people God has placed around you, receive their encouragement, and offer yours in return.

And above all, remain connected to the One who gives life itself.

May you find renewed strength by resting in Christ. And may you never lose the childlike confidence that your Father delights in caring for you, His child.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the reminders that You’ve kind of built into the life and the creation that is all around us. You remind us of what’s true in our relationship with You. And so just like we see this in new life, help us to recognize this to be true in our lives. That just as I looked into the eyes of that little one and realize her dependance upon those around her — to feed her, to care for her, and all of her needs — help us to never, never lose sight of You and the need that we have for Your providence in our lives. Bless us as we go into this weekend. Continue to help us to marvel at the new life that we have in You. And it is in Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.

Final Thought
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