Do Everything in Dependence on Me

Do everything in dependence on Me. The desire to act independently—apart from Me—springs from the root of pride. Self-sufficiency is subtle, insinuating its way into your thoughts and actions without your realizing it. But apart from Me, you can do nothing: that is, nothing of eternal value. My deepest desire for you is that you learn to depend on Me in every situation. I move heaven and earth to accomplish this purpose, but you must collaborate with Me in this training. Teaching you would be simple if I negated your free will or overwhelmed you with My Power. However, I love you too much to withdraw the godlike privilege I bestowed on you as My image-bearer. Use your freedom wisely, by relying on Me constantly. Thus you enjoy My Presence and My Peace.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."- JOHN 15:5 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.- EPHESIANS 6:10 

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.- GENESIS 1:26-27

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Without God, we can do nothing. He is the one who created us to have control over simple things on earth and if He took this power away we would be nothing. But just because He gave us this ability to have power does not mean we deserve to act independently. We still must depend on God to control our thoughts and actions, whether this be running a business, taking a school class or raising a family. We have all of these things, not because of something we have done, but because of what God has done for us.

Thank him, for he is a God that forgives. When we do not give Him full control of these things, He will not revoke them instantly, but instead give us the chance to ask Him for forgiveness and repent. It is amazing to me that that is all there is to it, yet we try to make it so much more complicated.

Today when you are in control of a situation whether it be a job presentation, coaching a team or teaching your child math, think about who is in control of the situation. Are you letting God shine through you, so others can see that you are a believer? Or are you doing something that would make people view you as a just another worldly person? I am not saying you should proclaim your faith during your presentation at work today, but something simple such as making sure you are you using proper language instead of a "potty" mouth.

We are image bearers for God. Can others see that through you?