I'm sure you've heard people say "God helps those who help themselves." Perhaps you've uttered these words yourself. The truth is, this saying is not Biblical at all. When we attempt to do things on our own it separates us from God - (it moves us away from God, NOT closer to Him).
Inherently we want to fulfill what the flesh desires. For many people, this means being in control. Watch small children as they grow. They want to do things for themselves. They can't help it, they're born with that desire, as we all are. Being in control, reaching our goals, doing things our own way is important to us. The truth is, however, only God has the real power. When we exclude Him from the equation, we miss out on what He has for us.
In addition to that, we tend to put our trust and faith not only in ourselves and our own abilities, but in others' abilities as well. Jeremiah 17:5 says this: "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord." We have to remember that God knows everything and He is the One who is sovereign over all of our affairs. Why put your trust in yourself (or man), when we are fallible, imperfect and unable to do even a small fraction of what God can do?
Daniel 4:17 tells us: "This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by
and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.’
The reality is that God helps those who cannot help themselves. He helps those who recognize that they need HIM to help them through life. We cannot save ourselves (on merit or good works) - only Christ can do that. We have to acknowledge that it is God who directs us and guides us: "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).
Now, God will bless those who seek and obey Him, but He never promises an easy life. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” When we put our faith in Jesus it doesn't matter what trials we face. He will be with us and see us through them all, while giving us peace as we endure.
We humble ourselves when we recognize our need for God. First Peter 5:5-7 is a great reminder for us when we need humility:
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Notice the result of humility in these verses above. When we humble ourselves under God's mighty hand He will exalt us when the time is right. Not only that, included in our humility is casting our cares upon God. This means that we give Him the control in our lives, rather than trying to help ourselves. He WANTS us to do that because He cares for us.
God has a perfect plan for our lives. Ask Him today to lead you down the perfect path that He created for you. Remember, God does NOT help those who help themselves - He helps those who know that they need HIM to get through life. When we submit to God, He will direct us as to what our tasks will be. And while we complete these tasks, He will be with us every step of the way.
Don't forget, we need to trust God not only in the big things, but the small things as well. Nothing is ever too big or too small for the Lord.
For more information click this YouTube link to watch a short reel:
Blessings,
Amy
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