Teen Articles
Depending on God
by Loren M. Chamberlain
Most people believe they can do almost anything in today's world. Scientists are discovering cures for diseases that were once thought to be incurable. Virtual reality can take us places we never thought possible. Sports records are being shattered on a daily basis. Technology and the information age has made it possible for humans to do a great deal with their minds, bodies, abilities and talents. However, humans are still just flesh and blood. No matter how far we advance intellectually or physically, we will never come close to being as awesome and as powerful as God.
We live in a world under the sway of Satan. The impressions we receive from the world is that we must be tough, strong, unbending and harsh, but we are reminded by the word of God that it is "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit." The key words are "by my spirit" (Zechariah 4:6). It is only through God's Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished. God is on the side of the follower of Christ. As you live for God, determine not to trust in your own strength or abilities, but instead depend on God and work in the power of His Spirit. God wants us to depend on His Spirit, learning to trust His Sprit instead of our own power. There are certain things His Spirit can do that we could never accomplish in our own strength. God's Spirit leads in many different ways. No matter how smart or strong we think we are, we can't outdo the Spirit of God.
In 1 Chronicles we read, "Yours is the mighty power and glory and victory and majesty. Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything" (1 Chronicles 29:11, TLB). Dependence on God means counting on His control of everything. Though we live in a world that is constantly changing and mostly for the worse rather than the better, we must put our lives in the hands of our Saviour Jesus Christ who is "the same yesterday, and today, and for ever" (Hebrews 31:8). As we look around the world, watching life come and go, material things decaying and friends changing, the only thing we can truly rely on is God's control. His purpose for us and His love never changes. Once we truly comprehend this wholeheartedly, we will have real peace and security.
To truly depend on God means counting on Him for our daily needs. When life seems easy we depend on our own skills and abilities, but we turn to God when we feel unable to solve life's problems for ourselves. To depend on God is not defeat or weakness, but an admission and realization that without Him we are powerless and need contact with Him constantly. God is our source of power and it is by staying in constant contact with Him we receive His help in our time of need. By cultivating this attitude, problems will drive us to God rather than away from Him. We must practice and learn how to rely and depend on God daily.
Dependence on God also means counting on the power of prayer. The disciples of Jesus often faced many difficult and dangerous situations that could only be resolved by prayer. Prayer is a great key which gives us a personal relationship with our Father and unlocks the faith of Christ in us. Effective prayer needs at least two things: an attitude of complete dependence on God, and an action which involves asking. Prayer demonstrates our total reliance on God as we with a humble attitude invite Him to fill us with the faith and power of Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for prayer if we are to deal effectively with impossible circumstances. God the Father through Jesus Christ is the only one we can totally depend on in our time of continuing need.
by Loren M. Chamberlain
Most people believe they can do almost anything in today's world. Scientists are discovering cures for diseases that were once thought to be incurable. Virtual reality can take us places we never thought possible. Sports records are being shattered on a daily basis. Technology and the information age has made it possible for humans to do a great deal with their minds, bodies, abilities and talents. However, humans are still just flesh and blood. No matter how far we advance intellectually or physically, we will never come close to being as awesome and as powerful as God.
We live in a world under the sway of Satan. The impressions we receive from the world is that we must be tough, strong, unbending and harsh, but we are reminded by the word of God that it is "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit." The key words are "by my spirit" (Zechariah 4:6). It is only through God's Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished. God is on the side of the follower of Christ. As you live for God, determine not to trust in your own strength or abilities, but instead depend on God and work in the power of His Spirit. God wants us to depend on His Spirit, learning to trust His Sprit instead of our own power. There are certain things His Spirit can do that we could never accomplish in our own strength. God's Spirit leads in many different ways. No matter how smart or strong we think we are, we can't outdo the Spirit of God.
In 1 Chronicles we read, "Yours is the mighty power and glory and victory and majesty. Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything" (1 Chronicles 29:11, TLB). Dependence on God means counting on His control of everything. Though we live in a world that is constantly changing and mostly for the worse rather than the better, we must put our lives in the hands of our Saviour Jesus Christ who is "the same yesterday, and today, and for ever" (Hebrews 31:8). As we look around the world, watching life come and go, material things decaying and friends changing, the only thing we can truly rely on is God's control. His purpose for us and His love never changes. Once we truly comprehend this wholeheartedly, we will have real peace and security.
To truly depend on God means counting on Him for our daily needs. When life seems easy we depend on our own skills and abilities, but we turn to God when we feel unable to solve life's problems for ourselves. To depend on God is not defeat or weakness, but an admission and realization that without Him we are powerless and need contact with Him constantly. God is our source of power and it is by staying in constant contact with Him we receive His help in our time of need. By cultivating this attitude, problems will drive us to God rather than away from Him. We must practice and learn how to rely and depend on God daily.
Dependence on God also means counting on the power of prayer. The disciples of Jesus often faced many difficult and dangerous situations that could only be resolved by prayer. Prayer is a great key which gives us a personal relationship with our Father and unlocks the faith of Christ in us. Effective prayer needs at least two things: an attitude of complete dependence on God, and an action which involves asking. Prayer demonstrates our total reliance on God as we with a humble attitude invite Him to fill us with the faith and power of Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for prayer if we are to deal effectively with impossible circumstances. God the Father through Jesus Christ is the only one we can totally depend on in our time of continuing need.
Copyright 2008 
Church of God International. All rights
reserved.
sky@cgi.org
Church of God International. All rights
reserved.sky@cgi.org