Dependent

Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

John 4:19

Several years ago, “What Would Jesus Do?” was a popular phrase among Christians. This was the measure to use in decision-making. Pattern your behavior after Him. Not a bad idea, right? It’s a little harder to put into practice.

Did you see how Jesus answered in John? He did ONLY what the Father ordained. He never steered away from the Father’s plan. Ever. Can we say the same about ourselves?

I often make choices that are not God’s best for my life. If asked, I would tell you that I know what God would have me do, and His ways are always right. But, what do my actions say? Sometimes I am too independent. I need more dependency on my Father, just like Jesus.

My daughter has always been independent, but she knows that I always have her best interests at heart. I want nothing more than her success and her happiness. I want to shield her from pain. But alas, sometimes she thinks she knows more than her mother.

She does not always come to me with her problems. She wants to handle things on her own. Recently I read a situation in my daughter’s life and pieced together what I thought had happened. I asked her about my theory, and BAM! Mom hit the nail on the head!

I think God was allowing my independent daughter to see just how much more I really do know about life than her. God was showing her that He gave her a mother to help guide her and teach her His ways through this life.

If Jesus is your Savior, He has given you the gift of Himself. He will guide, teach, strengthen, and encourage you as you go. It is not politically correct these days to be dependent on anyone, but there is no better place to be than in His Hands, depending on the Father.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge (Psalm 62:7).

Julie Smith