DEPENDING ON GOD
As a result of my near-death experience last month, when my heart rate dropped to around 20, a pacemaker had to be implanted in my chest to regulate my heart rate and ensure that it remains around the normal 60 beats per minute (bpm).
However, at least for the first six weeks, this life saving intervention came with many restrictions: not lifting my left arm above my head, or crossing it behind my back; not lifting anything weighing more than a gallon of milk, sleeping only on my right side or on my back; which I hate. etc. But, of all the restrictions, the worse for me to deal with, is not being allowed to drive.
So, I must depend on my wife to drive me everywhere: to go to the post office, to the barber, to the doctor, to church, to the bank, etc. you name it. Though my wife does a fantastic job getting me to where I need to be, I wish that I could drive myself, and not have to depend on her for my every movement. I keep thinking that was I driving myself, maybe I would have taken a different road, I would have gotten there quicker, I could go when I want and would not have to wait on her. etc.
Thinking about it, this is very much the way we are when it comes to our dependence on God. Somehow, we feel that we can do a better job of managing our own lives, our own situations, and making our own decisions, especially when things seem to be going right. We think that we have done it all by ourselves. We believe that we got it, and we never think about who got us.
In the book of Proverbs, chapter 3:5-6 the Teacher reminds us to “TRUST in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
We have to TRUST God enough to give Him the keys, let Him take the wheel, without any concern about what road He takes, how fast, or how slow He drives. TRUST Him enough to know that He will get us safely, and on time, to the desired destination.
Abraham trusted God enough to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household and go, to a place that “God will show him.” He did not know where he was going, nor did he need to know. But he knew that he can depend on God’s word, and on God’s promise. (Gen 12: 1-3)
Last Sunday at the Mark’s Men Day, they sang the song “I CAN DEPEND ON GOD.” And we were all reminded that indeed through the storm, and through the rain; through the sickness, and through the pain; as much as through the joy and the sunny day, we can depend on God. Why?
Because we can believe in God’s Omniscience and Omnipotence. Because we can trust His promise to Joshua and to us (Joshua 1:5) “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
LET US PRAY. Gracious and holy God, we give you praise, glory and honor that you and only you deserve. Omniscient and Omnipotent God, we are grateful for all that you have done and continue to do in our lives; all the blessings, all the favors, O God. Teach us to rejoice in the knowledge that you are always in control of our lives, and to depend on you no matter what. Teach us O God, to accept the restrictions on our lives, as safety mechanisms that in your infinite wisdom, you have put in place not to hinder us, but to protect us from harm. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
Written by Rev. Franck Aguilh
However, at least for the first six weeks, this life saving intervention came with many restrictions: not lifting my left arm above my head, or crossing it behind my back; not lifting anything weighing more than a gallon of milk, sleeping only on my right side or on my back; which I hate. etc. But, of all the restrictions, the worse for me to deal with, is not being allowed to drive.
So, I must depend on my wife to drive me everywhere: to go to the post office, to the barber, to the doctor, to church, to the bank, etc. you name it. Though my wife does a fantastic job getting me to where I need to be, I wish that I could drive myself, and not have to depend on her for my every movement. I keep thinking that was I driving myself, maybe I would have taken a different road, I would have gotten there quicker, I could go when I want and would not have to wait on her. etc.
Thinking about it, this is very much the way we are when it comes to our dependence on God. Somehow, we feel that we can do a better job of managing our own lives, our own situations, and making our own decisions, especially when things seem to be going right. We think that we have done it all by ourselves. We believe that we got it, and we never think about who got us.
In the book of Proverbs, chapter 3:5-6 the Teacher reminds us to “TRUST in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
We have to TRUST God enough to give Him the keys, let Him take the wheel, without any concern about what road He takes, how fast, or how slow He drives. TRUST Him enough to know that He will get us safely, and on time, to the desired destination.
Abraham trusted God enough to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household and go, to a place that “God will show him.” He did not know where he was going, nor did he need to know. But he knew that he can depend on God’s word, and on God’s promise. (Gen 12: 1-3)
Last Sunday at the Mark’s Men Day, they sang the song “I CAN DEPEND ON GOD.” And we were all reminded that indeed through the storm, and through the rain; through the sickness, and through the pain; as much as through the joy and the sunny day, we can depend on God. Why?
Because we can believe in God’s Omniscience and Omnipotence. Because we can trust His promise to Joshua and to us (Joshua 1:5) “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
LET US PRAY. Gracious and holy God, we give you praise, glory and honor that you and only you deserve. Omniscient and Omnipotent God, we are grateful for all that you have done and continue to do in our lives; all the blessings, all the favors, O God. Teach us to rejoice in the knowledge that you are always in control of our lives, and to depend on you no matter what. Teach us O God, to accept the restrictions on our lives, as safety mechanisms that in your infinite wisdom, you have put in place not to hinder us, but to protect us from harm. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
Written by Rev. Franck Aguilh
Posted in Mid-Week Devotional
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