SEPTEMBER 3

2 Corinthians 1:9

                              TRUST IN GOD, NOT OURSELVES
 

Paul avoided trusting in himself or relying on his strength or wisdom. He got into so much trouble that he thought that he would soon be dead. He depended on God to help him.

Let’s look at what little James learned on a rainy day. The pavement was slippery after a heavy downpour. James and his father were walking to the supermarket together.

“I don’t need you,” said young James when his father tried to hold his hand. “I can walk by myself.” But very soon he slipped on a puddle of water. He got his shorts all wet.

“I’ll take hold of your jacket, Daddy,” said James as he got up. Both walked on. He stumbled and fell again. He cried this time.

“Daddy, you take my hand,” said James after he stopped crying. So his father took his hand. When James slipped yet again, his father held him up and kept him from falling.

With a smile on his face, James said, “It’s better when you hold me than when I hold you.” The rest of the walk to the supermarket was smooth, and they finally reached their destination.

So to trust in God is letting God hold us up and help us. Sometimes God lets trouble happen to show us that we don’t have a strong hold on Him. When we ask God to hold us up, things go far better. That’s what it means to trust in God and not ourselves.

Thought: What is the meaning of trusting in God and not ourselves?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes I do things my way and I get into trouble. Please forgive me. Help me to trust in You and let You lead me and help me. In this way, things will go better. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.