Stepping Stones: Be Aware of Your Insufficiency

Transformational Thought

It’s funny to watch someone who thinks they know everything, has the situation all planned out, takes a lot of pride in being in control of the whole enchilada, and then has it all blow up in his face. I’m sure this kind of thing has never happened to you either, right?

We all occasionally have experiences when our pride and ignorance blend together to get us believing we are actually God. Acting like we know everything, can foresee the future, and have all the power to make a perfect ending play out. What are we thinking!

Do you ever forget where you put something? Make the wrong choice in a situation? How about getting accused by your kids (or parents) of not hearing very well? Have you missed an appointment? Is there even one topic you know everything about? Do you have trouble predicting the future? Recognizing the limits of our understanding is a good thing. The more we recognize and accept our limitations, the more it will enhance our relationship with God.

You see, we all have limits. But unfortunately, we don’t recognize where they are … so we live beyond our skills. Seems good, doesn’t it, getting more out of who we are? Unwittingly though, the reality is that we are putting our confidence in and getting our confidence from … Ourselves! This means I am relying on me … what I bring to the table … what I can do.

Our confidence needs to come from God. We need to put our eggs in His basket … who He is … His character … His promises … His instructions in the Bible. The assurance of God’s sovereignty, power, omniscience, reliability, love and sacrifice for us, only that will allow us to successfully grow the mind of Christ and live life abundantly. We need Him continually … beyond our daily bread and blessings. We need Him for the many (5,000-10,000) decisions we must make each day.

Today, recognize your global insufficiency, but also pay attention to your daily limits. Start to look to God to fill in the area beyond your limits. Then you will start to gain your confidence from Him and truly rest in Him. We have been designed to need Him moment by moment. Today and every day, live in joyful dependence on your Lord.

Prayer
Dear Father, Lately I am becoming more aware of my need for You. I have noticed that many people around me have become increasingly confident, almost cocky about the accuracy of their opinions and confident about their decisions. However, I feel just the opposite. I feel like an iceberg: what I understand is above the water; what I don’t understand is below. I come to You, my Father, full of neediness and uncertainty. I am fully aware of Your sufficiency and that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches. I have so many decisions to make and I am doubtful about my ability to make the right decisions. I know that each decision moves me closer or further away from You. Your Word teaches me that wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction; help me pass through the small gate and walk the narrow road that leads to You, my Lord. I pray this in the name of the One who always got it right, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13-14