A long time ago, nations like Great Britain, Portugal and France colonized and ruled over several African nations for decades. However, as time went on, those African nations clamored for their independence from their colonial masters. They did this because they wanted the right to be self-governed and self-sufficient.

What prompted the idea of independence was the understanding and acknowledgment of their capability to harness internal resources for their betterment as a people. However, for some countries, the quest for independence was not without some struggles. While some received their independence without the shedding of blood, others had to wage war to get it. There is always a price to pay for anything worth having.

Today, independence days are widely celebrated across the globe. It is the celebration of freedom from foreign dominance and rules. Whenever the governed realize their potential for self-sufficiency, they will break away from the unnecessary slavery of external rulership.

Another aspect of independence is giving it to those who are dependent on you. When you show others how to become self-sufficient, they stop depending on you. Teaching others not only sets you free from continuing to be responsible for them. It also sets them on their own journey of independence and creates a ripple effect of them also showing others how to be self-sufficient too.

We have to understand that it is God’s will that we become independent. The Bible states that we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32). God gave us, through His word, the wisdom needed to free us from our ignorance. He gave us the Holy Spirit to teach us all things; and so we can teach others and deliver them from their captivity as well (Proverbs 4:7).

Clearly, independence is quintessential. And it is understanding that grants independence! Knowledge sets free. This is the freedom that reveals the power from within to thrive without us being at the mercy of others. It is when you finally know how to handle your life situations, whatever they may be. It is being financially sufficient. It is becoming spiritually mature to hear God directly. It is being mentally and emotionally sound enough to thrive in any circumstance.

The moment you understand how to navigate your way from where you are to where you are heading to in life, is your independence day regarding that journey or situation.