If we start our Christian walk using our human talents for
the Lord, we will find a measure of success, but we will thwart God’s purpose
in our life. He intends for us to recognize that in our self, there is no good
thing (Romans 7:18). Therefore, God calls us not to depend on our own
understanding, but to acknowledge Him before we do anything (Proverbs
3:5-6). We desperately need God’s Spirit to direct our steps. God
may use our natural talents, but only as directed by His Spirit.
Anytime our faith is connected to receiving something from
God, we stand the chance of having our faith shaken. If our faith is in God
alone, and not dependent upon anything else, we will not be blown away by the
winds of adversity in our life. Instead, we will look for God’s purpose in
them, and we will know that He is going to work every trial out for our
eventual good (Romans 8:28). Only as we fully consecrate our
entire being to God, do we come to walk in our complete salvation.
Most events that we view as trials are simply God’s way
of answering our prayers. We often want to see supernatural results, but God
rarely gives us supernatural intervention. He usually uses normal means to do
extraordinary things in our life. If we understand this truth, we will live
with more joy. If we depend on our self to find success in this life, we may or
may not reach our goals. However, if we depend on God’s Spirit, the fulfillment
He brings to us is more than anything we could earn by our self-efforts.
We humans put more pressure on ourselves then God ever
created us to sustain. That is why so many of us self-destruct and end up
mentally, emotionally and physically ill. We are flawed from birth and need
Christ in order to be complete (Colossians 2:10). Only God can bring beauty from
the ashes of our life (Isaiah 61:1-3). When we forsake all of our
dreams and ambitions, and abide fully in Christ (Philippians 3:8; 1 John
2:27), He gives us back more, and better than we ever relinquish to Him.
Forever satisfied with God’s provision, we never experiencing any lack.
Prayer:
Father God, we do not have to understand Your ways in order
to embrace them fully and to partake of Your divine life within us. We believe,
but help our unbelief (Mark 9:24). Remind us to walk by faith,
instead of depending on our understanding (2 Corinthians 5:7). Every
gift we receive from You is an opportunity to give You praise for Your love and
provision. In our human capacity, we cannot fully comprehend Your ways (1
Corinthians 13:12). We simply believe, and watch You bring it to pass. I am
constantly saying, “Wow” as I watch You do wondrous things throughout each
moment of my day.
Thought for the Day:
Christ only gives Himself completely to us, when we are
willing to give our self completely to Him.