There is only One we are to depend on. Let John 15:5 be emblazoned on our hearts. Apart from Him we can do nothing. Yet Paul boldly proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

We often fall into the trap of self-dependence. It always ends in disaster. I started to memorize Colossians 1:24. Paul wrote, “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you…” He wrote this to a church he did not start. He loved the folks there because of their faith, their love for others, their hope, and their fruit. 

He reminded them in verse 21 that they were once alienated and enemies in their minds. Yet Jesus gave His fleshly body as a sacrifice. He suffered in His flesh to bear the sins of the world. Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…”