The Ground Where Life Flows
When we remain on the ground of Jesus, His life flows into us and fruit comes forth that lasts.
Devotional Credit: Open Windows by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash
T. Austin-Sparks reminds us that there is only one place where life, direction, and fruitfulness are found: in Jesus. He has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world, and everything we need is contained in Him. The forces of darkness work tirelessly to keep people away from Jesus, or once they have come, to draw them off that ground onto distractions, substitutes, or seemingly harmless alternatives. But the word of the Lord stands clear and strong: remain in Me, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
This is not only a comforting truth but a governing one. Sparks presses us to see that abiding in Jesus is not optional; it is the very explanation of our lives. To step off that ground, whether by self-interest, convenience, or misplaced priorities, is to step into loss. To remain in Him is to live in the fullness of what God intends.
Practical examples abound. Abraham stepped away from trust in God’s place and timing, and it cost him. Elimelech moved from the land of promise for what looked like safety, and tragedy followed. Sparks highlights these not as distant lessons, but as vivid reminders that every decision carries the weight of whether we are resting in Jesus or leaning on our own understanding.
The testimony of Jesus Himself is our model. Though pushed by people’s expectations, motives, and urgencies, He lived in unbroken dependence on the Father. His choices were not directed by convenience or escape, but by abiding. This is our call as well: to remain on the ground of Jesus, refusing every pull away, because here is where life flows, fruit grows, and God’s purposes are fulfilled.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved, I have joined you to My Son, and in Him you live and move and have your being. Do not be deceived by the voices that would draw you away to lesser ground. In Jesus you are chosen, accepted, and complete. To remain in Him is not a burden but the only place where your life finds its meaning.
When you abide in Him, fruit comes forth that you could never produce on your own. This is not the result of striving, but of resting in His life within you. Remember that apart from Him, you can do nothing. But in Him, you bear fruit that remains, fruit that glorifies Me.
Every choice you make is an opportunity to remain. Do not move by fear, convenience, or outward pressure, but by trust in My leading. As Jesus lived in constant dependence on the Father, so you are called to live in dependence on Me. The ground of Christ is your safety, your direction, your life. Hold it fast, for here you will find My presence and purpose worked out in you.
Scripture References: John 15:4-5, Ephesians 1:4, Philippians 1:21, Colossians 2:6-7, Romans 6:11, Galatians 2:20, Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Colossians 3:3-4, John 10:27, Hebrews 12:2.
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine plugging your phone into the charger but leaving the outlet switch off. The phone stays connected, yet it gains no power. Hours later, it looks the same, drained and lifeless. Only when the switch is turned on does the current flow, bringing energy and usefulness. In the same way, staying outwardly “connected” without truly abiding in Jesus leaves us powerless. But when we remain in Him, the life of God flows into us, producing fruit beyond what we could imagine.
Today, when I sense the pull to make choices out of fear or comfort, I want to pause and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me right now. Keep me resting on Your ground.” That simple yielding allows His Spirit to direct my steps instead of my circumstances.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that in Jesus I have been placed on solid ground, chosen before the foundation of the world. I rejoice that I do not need to strive, chase, or worry about what lies ahead, because in abiding I already have everything. I affirm that apart from You I can do nothing, yet in You I bear lasting fruit. Keep me resting on the ground of Jesus, confident that Your life in me is enough.