“I Do It”

When Adam and Eve were seduced and ensnared by the enemy to do the very thing that God had commanded them not to do, the entire world was affected. Everything changed that day through one independent decision made apart from the Father’s will.

Many years ago, my son became old enough to learn how to tie his own shoes. The time had come to get rid of his old velcro shoes. I purchased a pair of cool lace-up spiderman running shoes and brought them home, excited to surprise him and teach him a new skill. I presented his new running shoes to him with words of encouragement of how I would teach him to tie the laces.

He took them from my hand with a big grin (he was a big fan of spiderman), and proudly declared, “I do it!!” I tried to sit beside him to teach him, to help him understand that I knew what to do and that he would have to learn something new, but he would not let me help him, he simply informed me once again, “I do it!!”

So, I allowed him to try to tie his new shoes by himself. Of course, he wasn’t able to do it, but instead of asking me for help he gave me back the new shoes with frustration on his face and went to retrieve his old worn-out velcro shoes from the garbage.

Children often demand independence, but a good parent will help them eventually grow out of that childish behaviour. God is the perfect parent and good Father and desires to help His children mature.

The Lord has often brought the story of my son’s new shoes to my mind when independence is creeping around my heart demanding to influence a decision that is not part of my Father’s will. Independence is fostered out of my carnal nature and can lead me dangerously away from my Father’s heart right into the enemy’s snare.

The Bible is a wonderful teacher in that the words on the pages reveal the devastating mistakes that others have made in their walk with the Lord, demonstrating what not to do. For instance, king David once made an independent decision while strolling the roof tops of his palace. The consequences of his lust were death, loss, and heartache, affecting and afflicting the many lives.

Sarah and Abraham independently planned outside of God’s will and birthed Ishmael. The consequences are still being felt to this day as many of Ishmael’s ancestors are a threat and thorn in the side of God’s chosen people.

The Lord Jesus always only demonstrated inter-dependence with God the Father as the Scriptures reveal. Out of this place of submission He conquered death and hell, and saved the world.

“For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and what to speak” (John 12:49).

“Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does” (John 5:19).