How Independent Are We?

Photo credit Wikipedia

Whether you live in America or not, you are probably aware that this is Independence Day weekend. Here in America we do everything lavishly. Food, fireworks and fun are the order of the day - or the weekend. I heard some popping last night and I did my shopping yesterday so I won't have to be in the long lines today. If you are heading for the grocery or the malls, head out early and be careful.

Apart from achieving our independence from Great Britain, Americans are by nature an independent people. We pride ourselves on being "captain of our own ship, master of our destiny." We work hard, play hard and do our best to provide for ourselves and our families. This is one of the reasons America is the richest country on earth. We extend aid to poorer countries, and they look to us when they are in difficulty.

We have every reason to be proud. But let's not stick our noses in the air and think we are okay. Everyday we are being reminded that we are not. Terrorism, stock market crashes and global economic instability prove otherwise. We do not have "freedom from control, support etc. of others," as the online dictionary defines it. We are interdependent on others and whether we like it or not, we are dependent on God.

In Romans 9: 16 Paul says, "It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy." And in verse 18, "Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden."

In other words, all that we are and all that we have are not the result of our "independence," or our hard work, but God's will. He has the power to build us up or tear us down. No amount of leadership, wealth or military power can save us if God chooses to unleash His wrath on us. So, as you enjoy your barbecue with friends and family this weekend ask yourself these questions, "Am I truly independent? Am I trusting in my own strength or God's?"

Happy Independence!

Here are some related posts that might be of interest:

Happy Independence Day

Through A Child's Eyes


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To help you enjoy the long holiday weekend, I'm offering my newest novel Coming Out of Egypt, Book 1 of the Egypt series at a discounted price of just .99c on kindle. Coming Out of Egypt is based on the account of the Israelites' exodus out of Egypt. It tells the story of two sisters, survivors of sexual abuse, desperately trying to put their abuse behind them and forge a new life for themselves. As you read you will see how God delivered these precious girls from the bondage of their past just as He delivered the Israelites from the bondage of slavery. Just click on the image below.