Today I want share a few thoughts on relationship with God and how it increases our faith and releases miracles and breakthroughs from heaven. How the impact of our relationship with God will draw others into relationship with God. John 15:16 tells us “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you.”
Here in this passage, Jesus makes it clear to his disciples that their relationship and calling originated with His choice. I don’t claim to fully understand the mysterious tension that exists between the choice of God and the respect He has for human freedom of choice, but I do know this: if anyone makes a decision to accept Christ as Savior; it is only possible because He first laid His life down for them.
The Bible says in Romans 5:8 that “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” God reached out and paved the way for us to have a relationship with Him. God chose you and me. He died on that Cross because of His great love for us. In this passage Jesus makes it clear he is the originator of all relationship with God. He is also makes a statement about His responsibility in that relationship.
Now I understand that as Christians, we are called to wage a good warfare, to stand firm in faith, believe God, pray, spend time in the Word, stay in fellowship with other believers and allow the Spirit of God to work in our lives. There are responsibilities we have. But Jesus is saying here, that so long as we remain in relationship with Him, He plays a huge part in the oversight of our spiritual growth and development.
There are two parties in any relationship, and Jesus is saying He is the Senior party; He is Savior and Lord, He is the good Shepherd watching over our lives. Jesus is also saying He is responsible for the outflow of our relationship with Him, and as you remain in that relationship, that you will bear fruit; fruit that will last.
The fruit of any true believer will produce lasting change! I remember a few years ago talking with my Uncle who wasn’t a Christian, he shared the experience of watching my father transform from being an alcoholic, living a sinful lifestyle, to becoming a follower of Jesus. My Uncle thought it might have been just a phase, but once my Dad’s life was changed he never looked back; it was lasting change, fruit that remained.
Also in this passage is the inference and relationship with the great Commission. Jesus says ‘that you should go and bear fruit” In the Great Commission Jesus said “Go.” I believe this ‘bearing fruit that remains” relates to bringing people to a decision point for Jesus and seeing them continuing to serve Jesus. My personal belief is that any and every believer is called to impact others for Christ. Out of our relationship with Him, this type of wonderful fruit will be produced.
Finally this passage says “so that whatever you ask in my name my Father will give you.” When we understand who Jesus is, how we relate to Him, then we remain in a place of relationship with Jesus and the fruit of that is evidenced in our lives. God will move any and every mountain in our way. If you want to have increased faith, it comes with increased relationship.
When Jesus prayed for Lazarus to be raised from the dead in John 11:41-42, he said “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” Jesus understood that the basis of His own faith and the miracle he was about to see happen, was his wonderful relationship with God. He knew God and He knew God had sent Him and today God wants you to know that same thing. If you want to see greater breakthrough in your life, you need to cultivate your relationship with God.
Today I am believing God will use you in greater ways to bring many into the Kingdom of God for His glory. I want to encourage you with the fact that Jesus chose you! He is watching over you! He is responsible for you. As you continue to respond to Him, believe Him and take Him at His Word, you will see the Father move mountains on your behalf. As you draw closer to God in relationship you will have a greater sense of purpose in your life. As you begin to step in to God’s plan and purpose for your life, you will see incredible miracles take place.
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