Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Have you ever found yourself in a whirlwind of circumstances where everything seems to be moving at a dizzying pace? The people around you appear to be racing ahead, while you feel stuck, overwhelmed, and left behind. This sentiment is all too familiar, particularly in pivotal moments of our lives. For instance, when I finished college last year—having left a church job behind after five years—I felt that gnawing anxiety about what was to come next. Should I have kicked off my career with ambition and hope? Instead, I was engulfed in uncertainty, feeling as if the world was spinning past me.
It’s a challenging place to be, grappling with questions about direction, purpose, and God’s intentions for our lives. Often, we set out on paths thinking they are aligned with God’s will, only to find doors closing in our faces, redirecting us to uncharted territories. In such moments, we are called to learn what it means to live in active dependence on God. This active dependence is not a passive waiting but rather an engaged, purposeful trust that propels us forward into the unknown.

David and Goliath: A Model of Active Dependence

To illustrate this principle, let’s delve into the biblical account of David and Goliath found in 1 Samuel 17:1-58. Most are familiar with the story: a young shepherd boy, David, steps undeterred into the battlefield to combat the towering giant, Goliath, who has instilled fear in the hearts of seasoned warriors. While the Israelite army cowered in fear, David exhibited extraordinary courage not born of his physical strength but rooted in his active dependence on God.
David approached Goliath not in his own might but armed with faith in the Almighty. As Goliath approached, David boldly declared, “You come against me with sword and spear, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel” (1 Samuel 17:45, NIV). David didn’t merely recognize the challenge; he embraced it as an opportunity for God’s glory to shine through his life.
But how did David manage such faith? It wasn’t an overnight transformation. Instead, he had nurtured his relationship with God during lonely nights in the fields, where he learned to depend on God in every situation he faced as a shepherd. When his flock was threatened by lions and bears, he trusted God to deliver him from danger (1 Samuel 17:34-37). That foundational experience of seeing God’s faithfulness laid the groundwork for the eventual confrontation with Goliath.
When he reached into his bag and drew out a single stone, he hurled it with precision at the forehead of the giant, resulting in a swift victory. This moment wasn’t just about physical capability. The hand of God clearly played a significant role in directing that stone to the right target, affecting the outcome of a battle that had paralyzed an entire nation. Here, we see how God can transform our weaknesses into strengths when we actively trust in His power.

The Promise of God’s Presence

In the midst of our struggles—whether they manifest as anxiety about our career paths or feelings of inadequacy—Romans 11:36 reminds us, “For from him and through him and for him are all things.” This truth encapsulates profound reassurance. It means that no matter the challenges we face, their resolution is ultimately centered on God’s intention and glory. He can weave every struggle, disappointment, and moment of stress into a beautiful tapestry for His purpose.
We often become trapped in our worries and frustrations. Nevertheless, God can use every ounce of our pain to craft a message for His glory. Our weaknesses can become avenues through which God manifests His strength. In Philippians 4:6-7, we find foundational wisdom for living in active dependence on God: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The Role of Prayer in Active Dependence

This passage encourages us to pray consistently in every situation, to bring our worries before God with a heart of gratitude. It calls us to entrust our dreams and anxieties to Him rather than grappling with them alone. In this active posture of dependence, we discover the true essence of peace, which surpasses human understanding, guarding our hearts and minds as we navigate life’s uncertainties.
The question then becomes: are we living lives marked by self-sufficiency, striving to manage everything on our own? Or are we intentionally choosing a lifestyle of reliance on God, where we actively seek Him in moments of confusion and fear? As we cultivate a posture of active dependence, we learn to experience the richness that comes from walking with God.

The Transformative Power of an Active Faith

When we meet challenges, it is vital to reflect on how David approached Goliath. His trust in God didn’t eliminate the danger but empowered him to face it head-on. Likewise, our struggles won’t simply vanish; however, our perspective changes when we recognize that God walks with us, giving us the strength and wisdom we lack.
Each of us may encounter “Goliaths” in our lives—be it financial struggles, relational conflicts, health issues, or career uncertainties. In these moments, we must remember that God is both our shield and our deliverer. Our anxiety might tremble in the presence of Goliaths, but the heart of a believer grows bold through faith. Take a moment to reflect: what are the Goliaths you are currently facing, and how can you respond in active dependence on God?

Engaging in the Battle

Active dependence means engaging in the battle of faith with God as our cornerstone. James 1:2-4 encourages, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Each trial we endure is not merely a setback but an opportunity for growth and for God’s glory to be revealed through our lives.
With our reliance on God’s strength rather than our own, we are equipped to face adversities bravely. David, who, though underestimated as merely a shepherd boy, showed immense courage. His act of faith became a decisive moment not only for him but for the entire nation of Israel. He left behind a legacy of trusting God in the face of insurmountable odds—an encouragement for all who feel like they’re lagging behind in life.

Moving Forward with Hope and Trust

In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to keep up can be overwhelming. However, it is essential to pause and remind ourselves of the truth: we are not alone. God is calling us to a life anchored in His promises, sustained through prayer, and motivated by faith. Your circumstances might be unstable, but God remains constant and unchanging.
As you navigate your personal circumstances—whether transitioning careers, entering new relationships, or adapting to changes in life—take heart. Choose to live with an attitude of active dependence, knowing that God can and will use your situation for His glory.
As we reflect on David’s story, let us pose this impactful question: Are we engaging in active dependence on God, or are we weighed down by our independence? Embracing the latter involves releasing our burdens, entrusting them fully to the One who holds the universe in His hands.
In every situation, in every struggle, in every silent prayer, choose to lean not on your own understanding, but trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). In this journey of faith, may we all boldly step forward, trusting that each stone we throw in faith is directed by God’s guiding hand.