John 15:5 (NRSV) — 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. 

Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, 

because apart from me you can do nothing.

There is a deep conviction of the truth of this word that lies at the very root of a strong spiritual life. As little as I created myself, as little as I could raise a man from the dead, can I give myself the Divine Life. As little as I can give it myself, can I maintain or increase it—every action is the work of God through Christ and His Spirit. It is as we believe this, that we will take up that position of entire and continual dependence upon Christ which is the very essence of the life of faith.

With our spiritual eyes we are to see Christ every moment supplying Grace for every breath we breathe and every deepening of our spiritual life. Our whole heart is to say Amen to the word—You can do nothing. And just because our heart agrees with this word we can also say: "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me." The sense of helplessness, and the abiding to which it compels, leads to true fruitfulness and diligence in good works.

Apart from Me you can do nothing—