‘So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does”‘ (John 5:17 NLT).
Jesus described His activity as being inspired by and empowered by the Father. He did nothing by himself. He spoke and moved as the Father did. There is a great principle on how to live the abiding life on display here. Rather than asking God to join us in our plans, we can begin to look and ask what God is already doing and then join Him in His work.
This kind of following means listening and looking before speaking and acting. When we look to join the Father in His work, we begin to follow as Christ did, and as His body, which is the church, should. This life relies on prayer and the Spirit’s power, which is always greater than our own plans and efforts.
PRAYER: Our Father, allow us to see where you are already at work in our world today. Show us how to join you there. Empower us to do that which you’ve planned for us to do. Help us to rely on you for all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.