Branches

As Jesus left the upper room I imagine that He and His disciples passed by a vineyard.  He took the opportunity to teach them another incredible lesson. 
After telling them that the Father is the Gardener and that He is the vine He then teaches them about the branch. 

The vine needs branches, without branches it cannot bear fruit.  The nature of the branch is the same as that of the vine. Though the branch is the perfect likeness of the vine the difference is that the vine is strong and the source of strength while the branches are weak and have nothing but what the vine provides.  The branch has no cares; the vine provides everything; it only has to yield itself to the vine to receive.

Sometimes we think that we must try harder, believe more, just be a better Christian.  You know, "Read your Bible, pray everyday and you'll grow".  The branch cannot grow because it wants to grow.  It cannot produce fruit because it wants to produce fruit.  It can only grow and produce if it remains in the vine.  The vine supplies all that the branch needs to grow and produce fruit.

We need to remember that if we are to grow and produce fruit it will not be because we have more faith but because we have faith in the One we are to remain attached to and He will make it happen.