I like the outdoors and stepping into nature. My fear of snakes and other wildlife keeps me from exploring forests and mountains.  I stick to trails that cut through parks and other nature centers.  My fear of being attacked by a snake (or another animal) keeps me on a path.  This not a perfect analogy, but just as a path keeps me safe, depending on God is like a path that guides me through life.

However, I don’t always depend on God.  Instead, I want to do it all myself. If I depend on my own strength I am not depending on God.  2 Samuel 22:33-34 is, “God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect.  He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007). With God’s help, I can navigate the mountain trails I am afraid to travel on.  My reason for not surrendering to God is fear that situations will not turn out the way I want them to.

When I depend on Him for everything, I can face what I fear, like snakes in the forest.  When I trust in God and stay on His path, He guides me where I need to go.  Now I can face the “snakes” in my life.  God has a plan for me.  As long as I stay on His path, I follow His plan. That means I let go of control because I really don’t have all the answers.  I feel relief that I don’t have to know the end result.  When I surrender to God, I overcome my fears and find all He has for me.