Feb 10 – Apart from Me!

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

God’s children who pray, learn to depend on the Lord alone. There was once a management committee that helped oversee the orphanage run by George Müller. The committee members felt that they needed funds, resources, and influential contacts. They made many efforts—trying to raise money and meet wealthy people—but no one was willing to help.

When they returned discouraged, George Müller said to them, “We must depend on the Lord alone. We must continue steadfastly in prayer.” He then joined the committee and began to pray with them. As they prayed, the Lord opened the windows of heaven. Help and provisions began to pour in from unexpected places.

If we learn this truth early in life, we can avoid many disappointments. A person, who stands before the Lord – the Creator of the whole universe, does not need to go with an outstretched hand before insignificant men.

Consider the life of Jacob for a moment. In his younger years, he depended on his own wisdom. He deceived his brother and cunningly took the birthright. But one day, when he heard that Esau was coming against him with four hundred men, Jacob’s heart trembled. He feared that Esau might attack and destroy him.

At that critical moment, there was no human help available. Not even his own relatives could stand by him. There was no option left except to depend entirely on the Lord. Jacob cried out to God in prayer. He wrestled with the Lord throughout the night. That encounter became a great turning point in Jacob’s life.

Scripture says: “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, ‘Let Me go, for the day breaks.’ But he said, ‘I will not let You go unless You bless me!’” (Genesis 32:24–26)

And again we read: “He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and in his strength he struggled with God. Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; he wept, and sought favour from Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke to us.” (Hosea 12:3–4)

Children of God, when you depend wholly on the Lord, you will discover that He alone is worthy of your complete trust.

Verse for further meditation: “Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer; … For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:7)