I wonder how many things have occurred in my life that, instead of creating godly character within me, actually caused me to think of myself more highly than I should have. Paul viewed everything in his life as building his trust in God. Look a little deeper and you'll find a a question each one of us must answer on our own. That is, "will we depend on God today or depend on our abilities? Will we call on God only when we get in trouble or do our best while taking credit for the good we do and blame someone else for our failures?"

Now, before you become too hard on yourself, know that it's human nature to be self-reliant. But also know that God knows we're not capable of fending for ourselves. When we get in trouble, He can deliver us if we but call on Him.

God's word reveals the wonderful fact that life is much simpler for the child of God when he leans on God's ability rather than his own ability. That doesn't mean that we should stop trying to do our best. Far from it. Instead, realizing we are His child, we should endeavor to work harder to show our love for Him, while all the time realizing He never intended for us to live independently, dependently.

I pray today you will measure your reach and calculate your strength, available resources and energy and come away with confidence you will do your best as unto the Lord. But I also pray you will come to learn that it is only by His strength that you will prevail over the things that seem too hard to do. (Php 4:13)

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Jb. 20:1-22:30 2 Co. 1:1-11 Ps. 40:11-17 Pr. 22:2-4 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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