“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
We depend on things each morning as we begin our day: the alarm to wake us, the coffee pot to start brewing, hot water from the shower head, and our car to start. How is it that, for many of us, the God that determines our next breath is an afterthought? Each morning, we stand at the trailhead of our day. Will we rely on God’s direction or opt for self-reliance?
Dependence starts with the honest admission, “I don’t know this trail as well as I think I do.” A dependent man arrives at the trailhead, willing to be led. He’s not looking to take control or for shortcuts. Dependence sees Scripture as a map. God’s Word sets the direction, corrects the course, and identifies any potential hazards ahead. Dependence moves toward other men, not isolation. Progress isn’t measured by speed, but by faithfulness.
Self-reliance begins with self-confidence, not trust in God’s direction. A self-reliant man relies on instinct, experience, or effort to navigate life. Self-reliance treats Scripture as a reference book—helpful but optional. Self-reliant men like to walk the trail alone. Input from others seems unnecessary. Self-reliance is not rebellion; it’s simply trying to walk the trail without a Guide.
application
Dependence begins before the day gets going. A disciple starts the day by yielding control rather than planning every step. Dependence shows up in how Scripture is used. Reading God’s Word isn’t on a checklist. It’s read for orientation. It sets the day’s direction and works to avoid any hazards. Dependence draws a man toward his brothers rather than pushing him back. Dependence measures a day differently. Progress isn’t defined by speed but by whether a man stays in step with God along the trail.
Dependence isn’t passive. It’s the decision to stop leading yourself once you’ve chosen to follow.
Here’s a sidebar:
John 15 points to the heart of daily dependence. Jesus doesn’t say “Try harder” or “Be better.” He says, “Abide in Me.” A disciple draws strength from union, not performance. That’s why Jesus adds the confronting truth: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Dependence is the doorway into fruitfulness. It’s the daily choice to remain connected to the One who produces what we cannot—endurance, love, faithfulness, and joy.
live it out
Along the trail, dependence shows up in ordinary ways. A disciple prays at the start of the day, not because it feels spiritual, but because he knows he needs direction. He opens Scripture even when it feels routine, trusting that faithfulness matters more than feeling. When he recognizes familiar pressure points—control, pride, self-reliance—he asks God for help instead of pushing through on his own.
Over time, this becomes a rhythm. Not an obligation. Reliance on God becomes natural, comfortable, and wanted.
Consider this: “Where is God inviting you to depend on Him today, instead of relying on your own strength?“
Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash
Download Print-Friendly version
Traits describe the man God desires—
Paths develop the man God uses.
