I stared at the blank screen on my computer. It wasn’t a white page beckoning me to fill it with words—it was totally dark. I jiggled the mouse. Nothing. I removed the battery and tried to start it with just the power cord plugged in. Still nothing. Finally, the screen blinked to life. Back in business, I thought. Then, the machine blacked out again, and I knew a new computer was in my future.
With a writing deadline just a few days away, I tried not to worry. Some words to a song came to mind . . . Some trust in chariots, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7). Each challenge we face leads us to question: Will we trust in our own resources and strength, or will we rely on God for the outcome?
It’s God who gives victory, and the Israelites had many chances to experience this as they battled with the nations that inhabited Canaan. Some of these nations were more powerful than the Israelites (Deuteronomy 7:1). But, in the end, God’s people correctly credited Him for their victories.
Generations later, they remembered that their forefathers didn’t win battles because of their own strategies or weapons. They sang to God, “You drove out the pagan nations by your power,” and “It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them” (Psalm 44:2-3).
As God’s children, we have the assurance that God loves us, helps us, and is responsible for any success in our lives. These truths can strengthen us when we face challenges of many kinds. Yes, computers may break down, chariots may lose their wheels, but God can still enable us to “do mighty things” for His glory (Psalm 60:12).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 8:1-22
More:
Read Jeremiah 9:23-24 to see what kind of boasting God accepts. Look up Psalm 33:16-19 to see why trusting in God is superior to trusting in anything else.
Next:
What happens to your relationship with God when you take the credit for the success He’s given? How might a person balance confidence in a God-given skill with confidence in God?
tom felten on January 6, 2014 at 10:14 am
Great thoughts, Jen. I’m reminded of what Jesus said: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
jennifer benson schuldt on January 7, 2014 at 8:28 am
Tom,
It’s funny, but I was just thinking about the verse you posted. Jesus has overcome the world. He stood strong against everything that could have corrupted Him while He was on earth. The world He created did not assume power over Him. For that reason, it doesn’t have to win in our lives either. Through Him we can have victory. We are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.
daisymarygoldr on January 6, 2014 at 9:23 pm
No matter how skilled we are, it is not by might or by power of flesh, but by the working of His Spirit. The battles that we fight are not against flesh and blood. It is therefore important to always submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit in using our God-given skills. Any success achieved otherwise by human strength will only prove to be hay, wood and straw that will get burned up.
Specifically when it involves doing the Lord’s work, we can do nothing apart from Him. I have no clue of what it means to “balance confidence in a God-given skill with confidence in God”. We are confident because of our trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God (2 Corinthians 3:4-5).
jennifer benson schuldt on January 7, 2014 at 8:42 am
daisymarygoldr,
Yes, God is the One who enables us to serve Him. Remembering this can help us press forward when we are discouraged or tired. He enables us, despite our shortcomings, our sin, and our fear. It’s so good to know that we are completely in His hands.
ehdlive on January 6, 2014 at 11:38 pm
I like the way you coined it, Jen in your first paragraph saying, “… and I knew a new computer was in my future.” What a perspective! A radical perspective that never allows any obstacle to totally hinder GOD’s purpose in our lives.
jennifer benson schuldt on January 7, 2014 at 8:38 am
ehdlive,
You know, I never considered the first paragraph in that way. 🙂 I love it! I wish I could have such a perspective in other areas too–sometimes all I can see are the obstacles.
mleue on January 7, 2014 at 2:38 pm
I am very grateful that I can read ODJ every day. Thank you to it’s contributers.