In the old Uncle Remus story there were two main characters, Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit. Brer Fox spent his entire life trying to figure out how to bring Brer Rabbit’s life to an end. Occasionally, the Fox would catch the Rabbit, and Brer Rabbit would plead with Fox, “do what ever it is you want to do, but please don’t throw me into the briar patch.” Every time Brer Fox would throw Brer Rabbit right in the middle of the briar patch, Brer Rabbit would scramble to his feet in victory and shout, “Bred and born in the briar patch, Brer Fox, bred and born in the briar patch!” The Fox should have remembered that the Rabbit was at home in the briars. He had grown up there, and he had the resources he needed to survive in the midst of the thorns.
Jesus said, “If you remain in me, I will remain in you. I am the vine and you are the branches. Stay connected to the vine, and you will prosper and bear fruit. But without me you can do nothing.” When you live each day with Jesus and walk with Him, talk with Him, honor Him, and live the Jesus way, do you know what happens? He lives in you, and when he is living in you, He is building you up with His gifts and graces so that when you get caught in the briar patches, you will discover that you have what you need to triumph.
-Dr. Tim Thompson
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