For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. [For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him, and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him.] To Him be glory forever! Amen (so be it).
Several studies show that women are more likely to be dependent on others than men are and often have more difficulty establishing their independence. These facts help form the way we cope with issues when we grow up. Men are often thought to be good at independence but perhaps not as good at relationships. Women, on the other hand are usually seen as better at relationships but not so good with independence.
Let me establish what I mean by independence. We are never to be independent from God. As I have said repeatedly, we cannot do anything properly without Him and should be dependent on God at all times for all things (John 15:5).
Needing God and needing people is not a sign of weakness. We can be dependent and independent at the same time. Bruce Wilkinson once said, "God's power under us, in us, surging through us, is exactly what turns dependence into unforgettable experiences of completeness." We can feel complete when we acknowledge our dependence on our heavenly Father.
Prayer of the Day: Lord, I confess my utter dependency upon You for all things, and I recognize how dependent I am upon others as well. But help me to also establish my independence of others. My only ultimate dependence is upon You, amen.
