Stop Relying
Solely on Yourself
I sold some old film production equipment yesterday to a former colleague still in the business. I thought I would put the money into my meager "emergency" savings account.
Seems like the right thing to do given my constant financial struggles, right?
Perhaps not.
My instincts were instantly gut-checked by the Holy Spirit. I was reminded of this story about the manna provided to the Israelites in the desert:
Exodus 16:19–20 NIV
"Then Moses said to them, 'No one is to keep any of it until morning.' But some of them disregarded this; they kept some until morning, and it bred worms and became foul."
I have been living day-to-day solely by God's provision and grace since early last year.
God has not taught me this path only for me to abandon it now. I believe He wants me to use this money prudently and wisely towards either outstanding debt or dental bills.
This may seem unreasonable to those used to maintaining an above-average FICO score, but the Lord doesn't operate in human metrics.
My way of maintaining financial solvency has been stressful, at best.
God’s way has been considerably more soothing to my soul (and my wallet):
THE ROAD TO TRUSTING GOD IN HIS PROVISION
Exodus 16:4–5 NKJV
“Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not. And it shall be on the sixth day that they shall prepare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.'”
Step 1: God states His intent to test us in His plan, like the Israelites.
Exodus 16:22–24 NKJV
“And so it was, on the sixth day, that they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. And all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. Then he said to them, 'This is what the Lord has said: "Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.'” So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it.”
Step 2: God commanded a Sabbath exception: on the sixth day, they were to gather a double portion. This helped the Israelites keep the Sabbath free from "work" in order to honor and worship the Lord. This commandment took precedence over the gathering of manna each day.
Like the Israelites, we are to be diligent in our work during the week so we are free to worship God on the Sabbath.
These rules might seem frivolously tyrannical to a non-believer or casual observer.
But God's directive was part of a divine test to see if they would follow His instructions, emphasizing that they should not hoard resources or rely on their own security.
Unfortunately, there are always godly consequences to disobedience, which inevitably happened amongst the Israelites. Some ignored His command and saved manna overnight. It became useless, maggotty, and stank.
This served as a physical reminder of the futility of self-reliance and distrust.
I have spent the last two decades assuming I would always make a decent living and that God would continue to provide for me. But I was doing things my way (spending impulsively, not keeping a Sabbath, etc).
At some point, like a Father, He puts His foot down in our lives and reiterates His Commands. It is far better to heed these instructions on our own, rather than have Him rein us in.
"Being broke" isn't a fun ride, but when God comes through every time on your monthly financial responsibilities, it can be thrilling.
I just have to learn to let go and enjoy the ride.
Mush
REASONABLE DOUBT
Day 13
What is the silliest question a little kid has asked you? Kids just like to ask such out-of-this-world questions. We might be over asking why the sky is blue, but maybe you've started to ask some big questions in your life. When it comes to getting to know Jesus, it's natural to have questions about who Jesus is and what it means to follow Jesus. What if Jesus wants us to ask questions?
Reading our verses today, think about how Jesus handles this interaction with a bunch of kids. Imagine the funniest questions they might want to ask him. Know that Jesus isn’t discouraging your questions but is inviting you closer. The only way we grow is when we wonder about who is guiding us. Jesus takes our questions and builds a connection with us as we get curious about who he is and what it means to grow our faith.
Today, take time to get curious about Jesus with a child-like sense of wonder.
ASSIGNED SCRIPTURE READING:
Luke 18:15-17 NKJV
“Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.'"
PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father,
You have given us all the tools to succeed in this life. Forgive us the times we arrogantly (or foolishly) think we can do things on our own. Teach us daily to rely on Your Holy Spirit's commands and guidance. Gently show us the error in our self-reliant ways. In Jesus' name, Amen.