Stay Connected to the Vine. John 15:4

Matt used to be known for his spiritual fire. He led a men’s group at church, started his mornings with prayer and scripture, and always had the right words to lift someone up. But lately, something had shifted.

When your soul feels dry and your passion fades, even the morning light feels heavy.

There wasn’t a crisis. No tragedy or sin dragging him down. Life looked normal on the outside. Work was steady, his marriage was good, and his kids were healthy. But internally, he felt dry. His Bible sat unopened. His prayers felt mechanical. Worship music didn’t move him like it used to. He couldn’t explain it, but he knew something was off.

He began withdrawing. From his group. From serving. From God.

One morning, as he stood at the kitchen sink with a cold cup of coffee in his hand, he finally whispered, “Lord… why do I feel so far from You?” There was no dramatic answer, no lightning bolt, just silence. But later that day, as he scrolled aimlessly through a devotional app, one verse caught his eye:

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you... No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” —John 15:4

It struck a nerve. He realized he’d been trying to run on autopilot. His connection to Christ had become a routine—void of real presence. The fruit in his life hadn’t disappeared overnight. But now he could see that disconnection was slowly drying him out.

So he made a choice. Not a big one. Just small, faithful steps. A 10-minute walk with worship music. Reading one Psalm before bed. Journaling a single sentence prayer each morning.

You don’t need a miracle. Just start walking again—one faithful step at a time.

Those small moments added up. Not instantly, but day by day, peace returned. Clarity followed. God began showing up again—not because He ever left, but because Matt had returned to Him.

Matt often tells other men now, “You don’t have to be on fire. Just stay plugged in. Even if you don’t feel it. Stay connected to the vine. That’s where the life is.

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

—John 15:4 (NIV)