Not Out From Myself: A Window into Christ's Way
Through the window of dependence, we see the way of Christ—never out from Himself, always from the Father.
Devotional Credit:
T. Austin-Sparks – The Risen Lord and the Things Which Cannot be Shaken, Chapter 3 (Open Windows)
Photo Credit:
Image by Unsplash
T. Austin-Sparks draws our attention to a singular window—a clear view into the life and character of Jesus Christ. Through this devotional, we’re not offered a list of spiritual techniques or moral rules, but an invitation to gaze into the Spirit-dependent life of Jesus, who never once acted independently of His Father. Over and over again, the Gospels reveal Christ’s absolute reliance—not just for power, but for direction, timing, and motive. He never spoke or moved “out from Himself.” Every word, every step, every silence was tethered to the Father's will.
This was not passive obedience, nor was it forced submission. It was love-sourced, relational dependence. Even when it looked wise, even when it looked like everyone else was doing something reasonable, Jesus would not yield to external pressure or pragmatic logic. He would not move unless His Father willed it. He waited. He listened. He yielded. He trusted. And from that yielded posture came all power, all clarity, and all fruit.
The lesson here is subtle, but foundational. Independent goodness, even when well-meaning, is still independence. A thousand noble intentions do not replace one word from the Father. The temptation for Jesus was not merely to sin—but to act without guidance, to step forward apart from the Father’s word. The same pressure often creeps into our lives—through urgency, fear, people’s expectations, or even our desire to serve. Yet Jesus shows us another way: the abiding life of quiet surrender and intimate reliance.
Sparks encourages us not just to admire this life in Christ but to appropriate it. The same Spirit who enabled Jesus to walk this way now dwells in us. The question is no longer “What would Jesus do?” but “What is the Father doing now through the life of His Son in me?” That window Sparks opens shows us a view not just of Jesus—but of the life we now share in Him.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I am the One who indwells you, the same Spirit who empowered the Son to live every moment dependent upon the Father. Just as Jesus did nothing out from Himself, so I invite you into the same abiding posture—one of yielded trust, not frantic performance.
I never asked you to impress Me with your outcomes or to initiate ministry on your own. Instead, I’ve invited you into fellowship—into moment-by-moment responsiveness to My prompting. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart and let My word dwell in you richly. You are not your own; you were bought with a price. And now the life you live, you live by faith in the Son who lives in you.
Not everything that seems good is from Me. Not every open door is My leading. Wait for Me. Listen. In stillness, you’ll find clarity. In trust, you’ll find power. Do not lean on your own understanding. I will guide you with My eye upon you. I have given you the mind of Christ; you do not need to fabricate direction. My sheep hear My voice.
As Jesus lived in perfect union with the Father, so you now live in union with Me. There’s no need for striving. Simply abide. I will bear My fruit through you—not by effort, but by rest. Stay near. Stay yielded. I am your sufficiency.
Scripture References:
John 5:30, Galatians 2:20, John 15:5, Colossians 3:15–16, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Proverbs 3:5–6, Psalm 32:8, Romans 8:14, 1 Corinthians 2:16, John 10:27, Romans 7:4, Philippians 2:13, Isaiah 30:15, 2 Corinthians 3:5
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine reaching for your car’s GPS in a busy city, trying to get somewhere you’ve never been. You could follow your instincts, guess based on landmarks, or even copy the path of the car in front of you. But none of those guarantee you'll reach the right destination. Only by waiting for the GPS to lock on and guide you turn-by-turn can you truly travel with confidence.
In the same way, just because a path seems right—or because everyone else is taking it—doesn’t mean it’s the Father's leading for you. Instead of rushing or relying on logic, pause and yield to the Spirit’s guidance. Maybe you're being asked to say “no” to a good thing that isn't a God-thing. Or perhaps you're being nudged to delay a decision until peace settles in. In those moments, simply whisper from the heart: “Lord, I trust You to live Your Life through me in this moment. I yield to Your timing, Your word, and Your way.”
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I rejoice that Christ in me is enough for every decision, every step, every conversation. I no longer have to weigh popular opinion or rush into action—I have Your indwelling presence to guide me. Thank You that I am not left to figure things out on my own. You are my Shepherd, my Counselor, and my Guide. I choose to trust, not to calculate. I rest, not because I’m passive, but because You are actively leading from within. May I live today as one who is confident that You are directing my steps—not out from myself, but out from You.