|
Without Me, you can do nothing.
- John 15:5 NKJV
These words spoken by Jesus radically changed my life. I had grown up
hearing that old saying, "God helps those who help themselves," so I
believed that God wanted us to be independent and self-reliant. Then I
discovered that, not only is this phrase not in the Bible, but it
contradicts the principles of Scripture. Hebrews 11:6 TLB says, "You can
never please God without faith, without depending on him." The truth is
that God is pleased when we rely on Him and seek His help. Psalm 37:5 TLB
says, "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it
and he will." God wants to be partners with us in all our daily tasks and
activities. When we invite God on the scene, an unlimited amount of
resources and possibilities are made available to us. It's an "I can't,
but God can" kind of lifestyle. And with God, there is no matter that
concerns us which is too small or insignificant; there is no distinction
between sacred and secular. God wants to be involved in every aspect of
our lives, and He wants to help us reach our God-given potential. He also
wants to ease our burdens and struggles. Psalm 34:5 NLT says, "Those who
look to Him for help will be radiant with joy." Depending on God brings
joy, peace and satisfaction. But trying to accomplish things on our own
makes us weary, frustrated and discouraged. That's exactly why Satan wants
us to think we don't need to ask God for help. He knows that the more we
depend on God, the more productive and successful we'll be.
The apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) Paul knew that his strength came
from his dependence upon and union with Christ. Ours does, too. Asking
God for help doesn't make us weak--it makes us strong. What really makes
us weak is trying to do things on our own, in our own strength. Just try
to be a parent, spouse or student without God's help, and you will end up
drained and defeated. But if you seek the Lord daily and depend on Him, He
will sustain you and lead you to victory, no matter what challenges come
your way. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT, the Lord told Paul, "My power works
best in your weakness." When we acknowledge our weaknesses and ask for
God's help, it gives Him the opportunity to show what an awesome difference
His involvement can make. It delights the heart of God when we say, "Lord,
without You, I can do nothing. Please help me." Often, I hear myself
praying like this many times a day, especially when I'm tackling tough
situations and tasks. As a result, I've always discovered a new-found
strength, peace and confidence that enabled me to persevere and complete
the task with joy. It's my prayer that you'll begin depending on God more
each day, so that you can join your praises with the psalmist who wrote,
"Great is the Lord, who enjoys helping his servant"! (Psalm 60:12 NLT)
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for failing to invite You to be a part of my daily
endeavors. When I try to do things in my own strength, remind me to ask
for Your help. Deliver me from an independent spirit, and enable me to
depend on You more and more. Thank You for the peace, joy, and success
that will be mine!
- J. M. Farro
|
