“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world,” Romans 12:2a
Last week my youngest daughter taught me something. It’s funny how children often can lead you directly into a truth you otherwise avoid at all costs!
Our six-year-old was going swimming. After a winter filled with Arctic blasts and below normal temperatures, she was planning to spend the next few days in a swimsuit. She was thrilled to pieces that the hotel where we were staying had several indoor pools and lazy rivers.
What didn’t thrill her was the discovery that her beloved swim vest did not also make the trip. We too felt the sadness as the illusion of a bit of parental vacation floated directly into the ocean we were overlooking. We assured her we could find her another, but suggested she enjoy the afternoon in the areas where she could touch the bottom. Overall, she had quite a few options.
Over the next few hours an astonishing transition occurred: our little girl who had always worn her life vest was darting across five foot deep areas of the pool, attempting to evade a chasing sister.
Giggles rang out as she swam, unassisted and unafraid, back and forth across various pools, her feet rarely searching for a resting place.
How often do we tenaciously clutch something totally unnecessary? And how often is what we’re clutching holding us back from growth and success of a spiritual nature?
2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Do you rely on sugar to get you through the day? Do you rely on the “security” of a bank account? Do you rely on a person to always be there for you? God does give us encouragement and gifts for our benefit. He also wants us to realize He is “El Shaddai.” He alone is sufficient. He alone can and will meet our needs. He might use another person. He may give us many resources. But the source of all our provisions is God Himself.
When we can acknowledge the need for Him, and not a crutch in something else, we are admitting our own weaknesses. And He promises, “My power is made perfect in weakness.” He will help us overcome whatever we are hiding behind.
We blind ourselves to actually seeing His power when we rely on an unnecessary crutch, never glancing upward for the revelation of His might.
But when we relinquish the crutch, or the life vest, we just might revel in the revelation the He alone is sufficient indeed!
Reflections:
Monday: What am I using as a “life vest,” believing I truly need it, when in reality I don’t?
Tuesday: How is my “life vest” holding me back?
Wednesday: Do I truly believe God is sufficient?
Thursday: Do I have a specific time and place to spend with God on a regular basis? Spending regular time with Him grows our faith and helps us let go of unnecessary life vests!
Friday: Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You that You are indeed sufficient for all my needs. Please help me relinquish all distractions and run to You when I am in need. Thank You for always providing people and resources to assist me throughout each day. Amen.
Thank you for reading! Please return by Monday, April 7 for the next post.