The Lie of Self-Dependence

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Tim

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6.)

***

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11 Responses to The Lie of Self-Dependence

  1. Bev Murrill says:
    March 29, 2016 at 3:13 am

    This has been my life scripture for the past 6 years or so… it’s powerful if you live by it.

    Reply
  2. Jeannie Prinsen says:
    March 29, 2016 at 10:55 am

    That quote reminds me of a book title I saw recently: “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves – And Other Things the Bible Doesn’t Say” (sounds like my kind of book!).

    Reply
  3. Pastor Bob says:
    March 29, 2016 at 5:44 pm

    The problem with this is:
    One may call it faith, another -(gasp) laziness.
    One must be willing to do what is needed, BUT
    balance this with reliance on God,

    Another time when we need to fully understand the meaning, application, and proper use of this word –BALANCE.

    The most important way to do this with daily frequent contact with HIM. He has given me answers when none could be found, yet at times he has allowed me go through the struggle to find the answer.

    Eliminating the story, God told the man that he sent two boats and a helicopter, what more do you want.

    Reply
    • Tim says:
      March 29, 2016 at 8:40 pm

      I’m afraid you lost me, PB, except for the part about staying in contact with God throughout each day.

      Reply
      • Pastor Bob says:
        March 31, 2016 at 6:01 pm

        Sorry about that, to illustrate:
        – A friend of mine had to deal with an adult child who would not look for work nor attend college. “God will provide Dad! was the response. He had to make some tough choices, and the challenging young adult got it.

        When in Bible College the presenter for financial planning was not only an ordained minister, but a certified financial planner. One comment that stuck with me was something like:
        ‘You will never find this, ‘God helps those who help themselves’ in the Bible, but God often works with those who take initiative and do some real work, often hard.’
        The takeaway for that was God seems to work best with those plan and work. Sounds like SELF-DEPENDENCE.

        A man was advised to evacuate, the flood waters were rising. When the roads became impassable, a boat met him at the porch of his house, he said no thanks, God will provide, I have faith.
        Waters are higher, he in a higher window, another boat, same answer.
        He is now on the roof, a helicopter came, same answer.
        He is now face to face with God, He asks why God did not provide a way out.
        — Response posted above.

        Far too many will not do -period. Having seen many who would not do anything unless God told them what to do, and seeing nothing get done, I am challenged by the premise.

        Reply
        • Tim says:
          March 31, 2016 at 8:17 pm

          I see it as God giving us responsibilities that we carry out, but we rely on him for the abilities to do it.

  4. Ruth says:
    March 29, 2016 at 6:21 pm

    Very true aspect of our lives today. We celebrate 31 years of marriage, but have the worst financial situation in front of us ever. Lazy we aren’t, but an employer is paying nothing, I have no work, and we are hitting 60s.
    Happily, I believe God has this all under control and there is nothing better to do than trust and wait to see another of Gods gracious acts in our lives. We have one thing to do….trust…..and be waiting confidently on His mercy. We will overcome, so the Lord told me during a prayer and quiet time, and I have a happy heart and good times ahead in the Lord.
    Thanks for the so timely blog Tim.🙏😊

    Reply

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