Dependence is the Goal
Watch or listen to
the full sermon here.
Preached by Pastor Mike Woodard
Follow The Valley Church
As we wrap up our Steps of Faith series, we’re reminded of a truth every follower of Jesus must eventually face: your spiritual journey is defined by steps of faith, but the goal of those steps isn’t greater independence from God — it’s greater dependence on Him.
Whether you’re navigating changes in your prayer life, Scripture reading, family, workplace, finances, or relationships, every believer has a next step of faith to take. And the moment you take it, something powerful becomes clear: faith-filled steps aren’t designed to make you self-sufficient — they’re designed to show you how much you need Jesus.
Faith Isn’t Meant to Make Us Stronger Alone
Many of us assume that spiritual growth resembles natural growth: as we mature, we become more independent. But faith works the opposite way. The closer we grow to Jesus, the more we recognize our need for Him.
When God calls you to take a step of faith, it’s rarely small, safe, or comfortable. It’s almost always just big enough that if He doesn’t show up, it won’t work. And that is by design. Faith pushes us beyond our ability so we can learn dependence on His ability.
As one pastor famously said:
“If dependence is the goal, then weakness is an advantage.”
A Story of Healing and Dependence in Luke 17
Luke 17 gives us a powerful picture of this kind of dependence. Jesus encounters ten men with leprosy — a devastating, disfiguring, isolating disease that destroyed the body and separated people from society. These men stood at a distance and cried out, “Jesus, have mercy on us!”
Jesus responded with a simple command: “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”
It didn’t make sense. They weren’t healed yet. But they obeyed — and as they went, Scripture says, they were healed. Their step of faith preceded their miracle.
But the heart of the story comes next.
Only one of the ten turned back.
When he saw he was healed, he ran back to Jesus, fell at His feet, and thanked Him. And Luke makes it a point to tell us: this man was a Samaritan — someone culturally expected to avoid a Jewish rabbi.
Why did only one return?
Because he understood something the others didn’t:
He wasn’t just grateful for the gift — he was grateful for the Giver.
He didn’t just want the healing — he wanted the Healer.
He didn’t just want independence — he wanted deeper dependence.
Jesus responded by saying, “Your faith has saved you.”
Not only was he physically healed — he received spiritual salvation as well.
Sometimes a Step of Faith Looks Like a Step Back
Maybe today you feel distant from God. Maybe you once experienced Him but drifted — intentionally or unintentionally. Maybe life pulled you away, or sin pushed you away. Maybe you simply slipped into living like you don’t need Him.
If that’s you, hear this clearly:
The most important step of faith you can take today is a step back toward Jesus.
Not backwards — but back to Him. Back to dependence. Back to the One who gave you every blessing you enjoy.
And here’s the good news:
The moment you turn back, He meets you with grace, not rejection.
He welcomes you with open arms, not condemnation.
Dependence on Him was always the goal.
Three Ways to Take a Step Back Toward Jesus
1. Return to Scripture
Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ.”
If your faith feels empty, distant, or weak, begin by getting back into God’s Word. When we drift from Scripture, we drift from faith. When we draw near to Scripture, faith grows again.
2. Return to Prayer
Prayer is dependence in action.
A lack of prayer communicates, “I can do this on my own.”
But prayer brings us back to the Source. Just talk to God like you would a friend. Start small. Start honest. Start today.
3. Return through Repentance
Repentance is not a one-time event — it’s a spiritual discipline.
It’s turning from sin and turning back to God again and again.
Not perfection, but direction.
Not shame, but surrender.
Repentance is simply saying:
“God, I need You more than I need anything else.”
Dependence Is the Goal
Every gift you enjoy — breath in your lungs, family, job, provision, salvation, grace, forgiveness — came from Him. And every blessing is an invitation to return to the Giver with gratitude.
The healed Samaritan man understood this.
Do we?
Today, take your step of faith.
Maybe forward.
Maybe back.
But always toward Jesus — the One who calls you, sustains you, forgives you, and welcomes you home.