Second Corinthians teaches that we, as believers in Christ, should live our lives dependent on Christ all the time—in our strengths when we are using our gifts and skills and opportunities well, in our weaknesses that drive us to Him for help, and everywhere in between.

No, that’s not what depending on Christ means. We are supposed to grow and mature in our thinking and behavior. And, God wants us to be responsible for what we do with our lives, our finances, and our time.

No, that’s not what depending on Christ means. The New Testament teaches Christians to be wise and proactive in our dealings with everyone, whether in the church or outside of it. It is for our own good as well as for the good of others.

No, that’s not what depending on Christ means. God wants us to give back to Him all the skills, talents, advantages, and opportunities He has given to us and use them for His glory. That involves following His leading and guidance. Sometimes, our strength can be our greatest hindrance. We tend to rely on that rather than on God. So, relying on God means submitting your strengths and your weaknesses to Him for His purposes in your life.

The key to being a God-dependent woman is what can be described as dependent living. Human parents raise their children to be less dependent on them and more independent of them. But, God raises His children to be less independent and more dependent on Him. Whatever He brings into our lives that makes us more dependent upon Him is good for us. That’s how we learn dependent living.

Throughout 2 Corinthians, you will see how Paul made plans and submitted them to God to be changed. You will see him demonstrating his authority as a leader and submitting that authority to God. He asked for healing and submitted to God’s answer. And, Paul talked about preaching the gospel in one city while his heart wanted to be in another city, waiting for God to say “go.” That’s dependent living.

Dependent living is not weakness. It is being stronger and having more influence, success, and satisfaction than you could ever have through your own efforts—as brilliant and self-sufficient as you think you are or as weak and messed up as you think you are and everywhere in-between.

You will learn how to make plans for your life and rely on the Lord with how to proceed. You will learn how to educate your mind and rely on the Lord to use that knowledge to glorify Him. You will learn how to make money and rely on the Lord to show you how to use it wisely You can have confidence in what the Lord Jesus Christ will do in your life so that you will want to depend on Him more than on yourself. As you submit to Him, our God will transform you into a God-dependent woman who lives dependently on Him in weakness and in strength. Nothing could be better!

You learn how to do this as we you in obedience to the Word of God, depend on Jesus Christ for the power to do so, and trust Him with the results. This dependent living will make you stronger and more effective in life than you could ever be on your own.

There is great value for every woman to study this messy, hard to read letter we call 2 Corinthians. This study is for you if you are a parent, teacher, or mentor to a younger Christian. Or, if you have young adults in your household (or soon to be) facing the onslaught of secular influence (college, social media, work). And, if you are going through hardships, relationship difficulties, or health challenges. Are you wanting a closer relationship with Christ? This study is for you.