We live in a world of self-help and self-reliance, but we need to pursue a lifestyle of complete dependence upon God if we want to see conquest in our lives. When we stop striving and start depending on God, we will see a great harvest of lasting fruit. Let’s learn from the Apostle Paul, who had every qualification to rely on himself but instead depended on God.

Further Scripture:
Proverbs 6:6-9, Psalm 127:1, Philippians 3:3-7, 2 Corinthians 3:4-7, Jeremiah 29:11, Job 1:21, Philippians 4:11-12, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Acts 1:8, Isaiah 40:29-31, 2 Corinthians 11:23-30, 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, Ephesians 6:13, Philippians 4:13, Acts 4:8-14

Apply The Word:
Do you rely on God or rely on yourself? Do you think you are qualified (or unqualified) by what you have achieved or what family you were born into? Compare the scriptures that show how the Apostle Paul was well aware of both his strengths (Philippians 3:3-7) which he considered loss (v7) and his weaknesses (2 Corinthians 11:23-30) in which he boasted (v30). If you have allowed pride in your life, you must repent and come to the cross. If you have allowed weakness to drag you down and intimidate you, you must choose instead to depend on God to make you strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Like Paul, we can learn to live above our circumstances by depending on God in every season (Philippians 4:11-12).

Do you feel pressure when you share your faith? Do you get intimidated by the context of your audience or the lack of your training? In Acts 4:5-13, the rulers and authorities were astonished by the gospel witness of Peter and John. They saw they were untrained but they also saw the evidence that they had been with Jesus. Spend time with the Lord and allow His Spirit to minister strength to you. The more time you have with Jesus, the more confident you will be to share your faith.