Day 3: Independence

Temptation to be independent – Temptation to live our lives and handle problems on our own may appear admirable, but is it? Are you self-sufficient?  Do you pride yourself on not having to rely on others for provision? Even not needing to rely on God. While the Bible says if we don’t work, we shouldn’t eat, (2 Thessalonians 3: 10), and we need to use the gifts God has given us, the Bible also is filled with passages like, Isaiah 41: 13, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.” God makes clear throughout the Bible His desire for us to depend on Him.

We were created for relationship with Him. He has a plan and purpose for our lives. He stands ready to listen. We are told to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NIV)

What’s Next?

What do you do when you are tempted to handle life alone? Have you been hurt by others? Have you been let down? Have you built a wall of protection telling yourself you don’t need anyone? God wants to heal the brokenness. There are several ways to depend on Him. Pray. Talk to Him about your problems. Tell Him your plans. Ask for His direction and purpose for you. Refuse to worry. Cast your cares on Him. Study His word. Meditate on verses like John 15: 5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Remember we are told we will be tempted. Being tempted does not make us bad. Learning how to seek God, spend time in His word and pray will make us overcome temptation.

Reflect on His promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV), “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”