DEPENDENCE UPON CHRIST

Until we understand and accept that we have no power within ourselves for Christian living, there is nothing God can do for us, in a manner of speaking. What hope do we have of being helped by the one who can do all things as long as we think we can do something ourselves? The God who painted the canvas of the skies, who put the breath of life in all living things, and who sustains and controls everything in the universe, only works where he is relied on for everything. The heart that makes this realization and lives in humble dependence upon him is the one who will be blessed by God.

Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Nothing! You cannot pray, evangelize, overcome difficulties, defeat addictions, live the Christian life—nothing—without him. He is the source of power for the Christian. There is no energy, no provision, no power at all for the one who tries to do anything without Christ.

God reigns over all and the concept of the kingdom of heaven that John the Baptist and Jesus announced during their ministries points to the fact that God is willing to be and demands to be first in our lives. Only the life of commitment can receive the blessing of God. The kingdom of heaven is the rule of heaven in the hearts of men and women. But as long as we think we can do anything by ourselves, we will not have Christ ruling in our hearts. We will therefore not be a part of the kingdom of heaven. Giving all to Christ is the requirement of living for God and having God working in our lives.

When we try to do things by human effort, our plans will not only come to nothing, the very effort itself will be dishonoring to God. Stop your own doing and let God do. Trust is better than work, for trust produces its own lasting work of God while human effort has its own reward. There is no need for you to fret and worry about anything. The God who controls all things is in control of your life. Trust Him. And place all your confidence in him. Depend upon him for everything.