John 15:5 – "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

One word that summarizes this whole verse for me is the word "dependence." Dependence is defined as the state of relying on something or someone. The words associated with it are helplessness, weakness, and vulnerability. I want to talk about these three words today in relation to dependence on God – because, in all actuality, dependence on God is a choice.

Helplessness is an inability to defend oneself or to act effectively. Helplessness is included in dependence on God because that is what we are as humans. Although the world sees helplessness as a weakness, we can be sure that it is a strength in the kingdom of God. Often, the word "helplessness" is used to describe babies who are just coming into the world. But in God's eyes, when we are helpless, we are choosing dependence on Him instead of dependence on ourselves.

Weakness is the state or condition of lacking strength. Let's be honest: we are very weak. We can get sick, we can lose our focus, and we can sin. Just as dependence is a choice, so is sin, and therein lies why we are so weak to begin with. We are weak because sin makes us weak. The reason why Jesus is strong is that He defeated the thing that causes our weakness. To live outside of weakness, dependence on God must become our greatest strength. When we realize our weakness and allow that to draw us closer to God, we not only become totally dependent, but we began to bear fruit that is pleasing in the sight of God.

Lastly, vulnerability is defined as the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally. When we are vulnerable, we are exposed – exposed to other people's thoughts, emotions, and words. Exposure used to scare me, but what is exposed is never harmful to the person who chooses to expose themselves. The truth of God and living in dependence on God is community. A community of like-minded believers in Christ is what makes vulnerability to God something that permits growth. When we are vulnerable, we experience freedom in Christ.

As sons and daughters of God, helplessness, weakness, and vulnerability are all very scary things to be. But the truth is that when we allow all of these to drive us closer to dependence on God, we become stronger in so many ways. When we are dependent on God, the Gospel becomes what we desire most in everyday life. So today, sons and daughters, embrace the things that scare you and choose to depend on God instead of yourself. When you do, freedom and growth become your harvest.