Becoming a Dependent Daughter

Over the past two weeks, we've spent some time studying about God as a dependable Father. The scriptures have confirmed that God is the ONE we can rely on for everything. He provides ALL that we need. He never fails and is always present. He knows everything. He loves always. He listens closely and forgives fully. He is good!!

Friend, I have to admit I know all these things, but sometimes I don't live like I do. There are times I'm tempted to ask my husband for help before I turn to God. I've called a friend with a problem before I've stopped to pray and tell God about it. I've relied on my own strength and trusted my own plans instead of allowing Christ to live in me and let God's plan unfold.

So with that I have to believe this final lesson of our Dependent Daughter study is of vital importance. If we believe in God and have read of His work, we know we can depend on Him, but if we're honest aren't there times we don't?

I don't believe this is something we're going to change in a short study, but it can begin the process of becoming a more dependent daughter. Join me as we try to do just that...

Prayer -
Dear Heavenly Father, We praise You for Your power and provision. We ask You to help us depend on You more and more each day in every way. Help us live out what we know. Father, I lift up every woman who works through this study, meet her where she is at, speak to her in a powerful, personal way. Lord, Your Word is alive, help us listen to what You say! Father we come to You now in humble dependence and trust You to speak to us, change us and make us more like You!! Thank you in advance for all You will do and say. In Jesus' name, Amen

Depending comes natural for a newborn child, but as the little one grows they become more and more dependent. I have a two year old - he's the picture of the struggle for independence, as is my 10 year old. As a Mom I want my children to learn, mature and grow; with each passing year it's natural for them to be less dependent on me.

But what should happen in the spiritual world? I have to think it's just the opposite. I came to know Christ and accept Jesus in my early 20's...I was living on my own, teaching school and providing for myself. I was INDEPENDENT! Then when I was born again, I found myself depending on my heavenly Father and in every year that has passed my dependence on Him has grown. Rather than celebrating my independence I find myself living more and more in dependence.

For ten years, I've watched my oldest grow in his independence and I pray each year God can look at me and say I'm maturing as His dependent daughter. Friend, do you long to do the same? If so, join me as we try to answer the question, "How do I become an dependent daughter?"

Contrast to a newborn living in dependence, spiritually we must take action. This involves prayer, Bible reading, meditation, memorization and fellowship, but we're specifically going to look at a few other necessary actions as well...in no particular order -

1. Die to Self - Read Luke 9:23 - What must you do in order to depend on God? Ask God to show you what this looks like in your life right now.


2. Decide - Read John 15:16 - According to this verse, who made the first choice?

Now read Joshua 24:15, Deuteronomy 30:19 and Proverbs 8:10, each of these verses refer to the idea that we have the ability to do what?


Friends, you and I must decide to depend on God. God doesn't demand our dependence, He gives us the choice. We have the freedom to depend on Him, others or ourselves, but let us not forget that our decisions will have consequences. To look at this closer read Isaiah 30:8-18, this is a warning for rebellious Judah. Describe what was taking place.


What is God's response in verse 14? Can you describe a time when you made a decision similar to the people of Judah?


What does verse 18 tell you about your dependable heavenly Father?



3. Ask - I can go to the farm store for everything my husband needs, but unless I ask a clerk for help I usually won't find what I'm looking for. A similar thing can be said of God. Granted He provides much for us without you or me asking; for example - that breath you just took, did you ask Him for it? I'm guessing not, but His Word does tell us to ask. Read the following verses and make note of what scripture says about asking.
John 14:13 -

John 16:24 -

Matthew 7:7 -

James 1:5-8 -

4. Relationship - Think of the people you depend on the most...are they some of the ones you know the best? The better we get to know someone it's natural to discover if they are dependable. One of the best ways for you and me to become dependent daughters is for us to continually grow closer and closer to our Father. How much time and effort do you invest in your relationship with your heavenly Father? Do you seek after Him? Pray about this. Ask God to show you how you can personally get to know Him more. Write a prayer now committing to strengthening your relationship with the One you depend on!



To dig deeper look up verses about humility, repentance, submission and surrender. These are all areas that will help us become the dependent daughter we were created to be!

Friend, I pray this study has been an encouragement and a time of growth for you. If you have any stories you want to share, we'd love to rejoice with you!! I will continue to pray for you!

To close, here's a short exchange from one of C.S. Lewis' classics -

"In C.S. Lewis' Prince Caspian, a child name Lucy encounters Aslan, the Christ-figure of the Narnia stories, after not seeing him for a long while. "Aslan, you're bigger," she says.

"That is because you're older, little one," answered he.

"Not because you are?"

"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."

The more mature in the faith we are, the bigger God will be for us. As our vision of God becomes clearer and we understand his enormity, we learn to rest in Him. We grow in our ability to depend completely on Him.

Friend, that is my prayer for all of us!! Thank you again for joining me on this journey!!