Ever Wonder?

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”  John 15:7, 8

Although these are the very words of Jesus to His disciples (and us), I have often wondered just exactly what they really mean. As we abide in Him, how much and just what can we ask for? Now I understand He expects us to be fruitful just as the branch must abide in the vine in order to produce grapes. There is nothing I desire more than to see unsaved people, especially loved ones, come to know the Lord and receive eternal life in Him just as I have.

Later in verse 16, He says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” What other fruit can be produced that would remain? And if I pray for someone’s salvation, will they one day open their heart and receive Him? “[He] is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Will He answer that prayer for those I pray for?

In verse 17, He says, “These things I command you, that you love one another.” How better can we love God than to love and pray for salvation for the lost? Although fruit may not be limited to soul-winning, I think it must be an important part of it since He loves all people and paid for their salvation.

As He develops the fruit of His Spirit in us (Galatians 5:22, 23) these Christian qualities (being Christ-like) is what attracts people to God, and He is glorified when Christians direct people into a right relationship with Him.

This side of heaven I’m unable to comprehend all that Scripture talks about in terms of election and free will, but I will continue to be faithful to pray that God would reveal truth and bring light to those who walk in darkness; to those who are blind and have no idea what they stumble over; to those who have been taken captive and deceived by Satan; to those who have been enticed by worldly riches and power; to those who look for hope, security, healing or purpose in the useless, fleeting things this world has to offer.

Father, You tell us the king’s heart is in Your hand, like the rivers of water; You turn it wherever You wish (Proverbs 21:1), yet You do not force Yourself on us. As I pray for salvations, I trust You for the outcome. Your will be done. Amen.