Self-confidence and self-sufficiency are often seen as very good things in our culture. The person who can get things done and make things happen is admired. Indeed these are traits that can be very beneficial in many walks of life – but not so in our faith. The Bible is emphatic from beginning to end that we can do nothing of any eternal Kingdom value in our own strength or ability. We are totally dependent on God. Deuteronomy 8 is a passage that captures this truth vividly. In this text God describes how he actively worked to strip away any self-confidence and self-sufficiency from his people so that when they entered the Promised Land, they would know that it was God who did this and not them. You see only those who understand their total dependence on God can be good stewards of his blessings and his promises. There is a humility in understanding one’s weakness and dependence that makes a person (or a people) trustworthy with the great treasures of God.
Fasting is a powerful way to bring our dependence into focus. So as you feel the pangs of hunger today thank God for your “limitations” and “weakness” as well as his grace and power that is ready and available to work through you.
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10.
Scriptures for today:
- Deuteronomy 8
- Psalm 127
- John 15:1-17
Much love,
Keath
