“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. Yet you were not willing'” (Is. 30:15).
One of my clearest childhood memories is when I was 5. My stepdad was running errands for my mom and dropped me off at a birthday party. The thing was, when I knocked at the door, a stranger opened it. My dad had gotten the location wrong. Not only that, I turned around to see he’d already driven away.
The people invited me in to call my mom, but I knew better than to go into a home with strangers. Thankfully, my aunt lived only one mile down the street. With present in hand, I walked to my aunt’s house with the lady following me in her car, still offering to help me. I made it to my aunt’s house and my mom picked me up, but from that point on I made a mental note that I had to take care of myself.
It’s been a hard habit to break. When challenges come, I want to be strong. I strive to make things happen. My mind tries to figure out what I can do to control the situation. Jesus, of course, wants better for me. He knows I cannot help myself or save myself. His desire is for me to depend on Him. He is where my strength comes from, and He is where I’ll find salvation.
Events from my childhood may cause me to try to figure out the answer alone, but remembering where my help comes from makes all the difference. Looking back, I wasn’t walking by myself to my aunt’s house. Jesus was by my side, protecting me and guiding me every step of the way. Jesus has never failed me, and He never will.
Faith step: Think back to an impacting moment that has caused you to be self-dependent. Write that down, and then write a prayer asking Jesus to help you depend on Him more.
Tricia Goyer has written more than 35 books, including both novels that delight and entertain readers and nonfiction titles that offer encouragement and hope. She has also published more than 500 articles in national publications such as Guideposts, Thriving Family, Proverbs 31, and HomeLife Magazine.
