Dear Christian Mentor, Can you walk with me through Lent? (Day 30 Abiding)
Abiding
"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” ~ John 15:4
Dear Christian Mentor,
I have participated in Lent many times, but it often feels like something I should do rather than an experience that draws me closer to the Lord. Can you walk with me through the season of Lent?
Dear Mentee,
Have you ever felt distant from God? Or maybe your spiritual growth feels stagnant. Maybe you aren’t sure what God’s purpose or plan is for you. Or perhaps you recognize there are things in your life you need to surrender, change, or heal from—but you’re left wondering how.
How do we feel God’s presence more deeply?
How do we grow closer to Him?
How do we understand His plan and release the things that weigh us down?
The answer is simple: abide.
John 15:4 invites us into something deeper than striving—it calls us into connection: “Abide in Me, and I in you.” To abide means to remain, to stay, to dwell. It is an ongoing posture of the heart, not a one-time action.
Jesus continues in John 15:5, “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.”
Just as a branch cannot survive or bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot experience true spiritual life apart from Christ. Growth doesn’t come from doing more but from staying connected.
What does abiding look like?
Abiding is choosing daily connection over occasional contact. It looks like:
Sitting with God in His Word, not out of obligation, but out of desire to know Him.
Praying honestly, inviting Him into your thoughts, struggles, and decisions.
Surrendering control and trusting Him moment by moment.
Becoming aware of His presence throughout your day.
Abiding is less about perfection and more about presence.
Today’s Promise:
When you remain in Christ, you will not be empty or fruitless. God promises that a life connected to Him will produce spiritual fruit—peace, joy, clarity, and transformation—in His timing and in His way.
Application Questions:
What areas of my life feel disconnected from God right now?
Do I tend to strive for spiritual growth, or rest in God’s presence?
What distractions or habits are pulling me away from abiding in Christ?
What is one simple way I can intentionally remain with God today?
Today’s Fast:
Fast from distraction and independence.
Choose to limit something that pulls your attention away from God (social media, noise, constant busyness), and instead:
Spend 10 intentional minutes in silence with God.
Read and reflect on John 15:1–8.
Whisper a simple prayer throughout the day: “Lord, help me abide in You.”
~ Christian Mentor
