Pastor column: Dependence on God is a gateway, pathway, bridge and key

We’re here, not by chance but by divine appointment. God the Father has touched our lives, to grow in our faith and to deepen our dependence on Him. Indeed, our relationship with God hinges on our dependence on Him, especially during times of distress.

Hebrews 10 says, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings” (vs. 22).

Listen, to draw near to God is not with a half-hearted commitment but with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings. This is a clear call to a deeper relationship with God. Dependence on God is a place of liberating power ? the source of our strength, our peace and our hope. It’s the anchor that holds us steady amidst the storms we face.

Dependence on God is a pathway to peace. In a world filled with chaos and confusion, dependence on God offers us peace. This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God in the midst of trouble. It’s the calm assurance that God is with us and He’s in control.

Dependence on God is a gateway to freedom. When we depend on God, He sets us free. He breaks the chains that bind us and opens the prison doors. He gives us the freedom to live and to become all that He has created us to be.

Dependence is a testament to His strength in us

Dependence on God is a bridge to breakthrough. The challenges we face have the opportunity for a breakthrough. Dependence on God gives us the courage to face these challenges and the faith to conquer ? to breakthrough.

Dependence on God is a key to victory. Our greatest weapon, in every battle, is our dependence on God. The Lord gives us the victory over every enemy and every obstacle.

Jeremiah 17 says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord” (vs. 7). The prophet is declaring to us that our dependence on God isn't a sign of weakness but a testament to His strength in us. It's in our moments of distress that we truly realize how much we need Him.

And isn't it just like our God, in His infinite love and mercy, to use those moments to draw us closer to Him?

He doesn't promise us a life free from trials, but He does promise to be with us through them all. He's the rock we can stand on, our peace in the storm, our joy and our hope for today and tomorrow. Let's hold on to the truth of God's unchanging love for us. Let's remember that no matter what we face, we can depend on Him.

Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor at Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Dependence on God during times of distress; He will be the rock