Stepping Stones: Warning: Do Not Lean on Your Own Understanding

Transformational Tip

The Great American Way…Capitalism… the Land of Independence...Self-Sufficiency…Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. We are raised and taught, “take care of yourself, don’t be a burden on others, and it’s the weak that are dependent on something or somebody else.” I want to do life on my own!

If you were ever a victim of abuse of any kind, you no doubt felt you had no control in the situation…whether it was mild, like ridicule or harshness from your parents, to neglect in a dating relationship, to misuse of power by someone in authority, or any other form of mistreatment. Or the abuse might have been extreme or violent…bullying, sexual coercion while dating, to mugging, and sexual molestation, even rape. No one has escaped all mistreatment.

We associate the abuse with being out of control, so we make a promise to ourselves to never let ourselves be in that dependent position again. So now we try to control most situations…including every relationship in our life...to make sure our vulnerability never answers the door when potential abuse knocks. Now, we probably have a hard time being vulnerable to being dependent on God and His controlling hand in our life.

I know, I was hardheaded about turning my life over to Him…and still struggle with it. But I tried being independent, controlling my life…it landed me in jail, with alcohol and a fear of other’s opinions and feelings as my master.

None of us can be free to become all we were meant to be until we recognize that God is in control…that He loves us and wants to care for us. We are fooling ourselves when we think we can make it on our own through this life. We need to lean on Him. On His wisdom, strength, love, character, promises…and His son.

Today, remember that this man you read about, Jesus, loves you. He is inviting you to put your hands in His and let Him guide you and help you through all circumstances of life…regardless of what ever has happened in the past. Stop trying to figure everything out on your own. Stop trying to forge through life depending on your own strength and understanding. Let Jesus love you. Let Him help you reach your full potential and accomplish all the good things he has called you to do. He actually died for you…for no reason other than He loved His father…AND YOU! Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective of being independent of God vs. dependent on God.

Prayer
Dear Father, forgive me for thinking I could make it through life on my own. I need Your help and Your guidance in everything I do. Help me to stop trying to control everything…help me to listen to Your voice…to obey You…to trust You. I have leaned on myself and what the world offers and my hole only got deeper. Thanks for loving me more than I love me and for showing me how much You really love me thru Your taking my penalty and place on the cross. I pray this in the name of the One was sent to take my place, and teach and guide me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
Proverbs 3:5-7
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:15-17