The Fruits of Dependence That Grow in Individuals

By Chantal Huinink

I think the allure of independence often stems from a desire to protect ourselves from vulnerability.  We might believe that if we can accomplish everything on our own, then we will be in control and if we are in control, then we can prevent things from going wrong. In actuality I would suggest that the opposite is more  true. In my experience, having five personal care assistants makes me less vulnerable because instead of solely taking responsibility for my own well-being this responsibility is shared amongst the six of us. Furthermore, when things go wrong there are six brains and 12 hands to attend to the matter.

Ultimately, God wants us to recognize that we need to depend on him. It can be hard to fully grasp this idea in a country that was in fact founded on independence and a culture that prides itself on individualism. However, we have the example of the community in Acts 4:32 where it says “Now the whole group of those who believed was of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.” Following, this, in Acts 4:35 it says “They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”(NRSV)

 In my own life, I think I have found it easier to trust God because I am used to relying on other people. Often times I must trust others to assist me with self-care before I know them well. I know that it might seem preferable the other way around but surprisingly I have found that the more you trust someone the more quickly you come to know their true character and the more faithful they have the opportunity to be. It seems to me, that our walk with God follows a similar pattern. Meaning that the more we endeavor to trust the Lord, the easier it may become to understand his way and the more his faithfulness will become evident to us.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”(Proverbs 3:5–6 NRSV)