The Responsiblity of Being Your Own God

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10

Let’s be real here.  There are times in all our lives where we just don’t want to ask for help when we need it.  I am certifiably the world’s worst independent person.  I would rather struggle for 10 minutes opening a jar, buy every contraption known to man to make my struggle easier, or just not use mayo on my sandwich after all than to ask for help! Can you relate?

But there comes a time when we all need to be able to say “I can’t do this, can you  help me?”.  Those can be hard words, I know.  I’ve even struggled with no wanting to ask God for help, thinking my needs were too small for his Almighty Hands.  I’ve truly struggled with asking others for their prayers, thinking if they can pray, so can I. 

I think they’re even harder for some of us who have been taught that we should stand on our own two feet, face it “like a man”, never quit, don’t give up, no pain no gain, and so forth.  Perseverance is great, and self-accomplishment is wonderful.  But we all have to realize our weakness at some point, ask for help and move on.  Finally, God was kind enough to show me that when I am weak, then He is made strong.  I need the people around me to pray for me at times, and I need them to help me carry my burdens at times.  This is why He gave us the Body of Christ.  It’s okay to admit you aren’t complete without Him.  It’s okay to admit that you need Him and others.  That does not make you a “needy” person!

I truly worry about two new characteristics I see taking rise in our people.  One is entitlement, a feeling that society, parents, or government owes you everything you need, and you shouldn’t even have to ask.  This is the “me” generation, who put themselves before everyone else and choose to be fed rather than feed.  They won’t work, won’t contribute, refuse to achieve anything of value, and leave even the basest responsibilities they have to others.  If this continues, brother and sister, we and all our time and resources will be consumed by them.

The second characteristic is even more troublesome.  It’s one I think found more in my own generation than the younger ones, where we feel we cannot rely on anyone but ourselves.  We believe that if we cannot do it, it can’t be done.  While many of us would profess that we believe in God, and that God is in control, we don’t allow Him control over the issues of our lives.  We have, without consciously doing so, become our own God.  We want to control our own destiny, our own future, our own finances, our own children, our own jobs, our own family life, our own ______________(you fill in the blank!). 

Oh how great a responsibility that has put on our shoulders and how unnecessarily we struggle and feel continually defeated. 

While He desires to be our refuge (hiding place from trouble) and our rock of strength (Psalms 62:7), we deny Him the right by not submitting to His plan.  He says “Go”, we say “”Stay”.  He says “Don’t” – we say “Do”.  He says “Kneel” and we say “Stand”.  And the whole time we sink just a little deeper into the pit of our lives, refusing to reach up and take His hand.  The bills pile up, the kids get out of hand, our lives become filled with manipulators and users, and we slowly are destroyed to the point we are continually beaten down by life.

He says that He is our provider, Jehovah Jirah.  Let Him provide.

He says that He is our healer, Jehovah Rapha.  Let Him heal.

He says that He is Lord of all spirits and beings, Jehovah Sabaoth.  Let Him take over.

He says that He is our peace, Jehovah Shalom.  Let Him bring peace.

He says that He is our shepherd, Jehovah Raah.  Let Him lead.

Friends, God is a very short prayer away!  Admit your weakness and reach up! 

“God, I am nothing without you but a failure.  And you are all I need. Help me! Amen.”