2007-12-03 - Home Improvement 101: Confidence

When I purchased a small, wooden bookshelf, I was excited. The package said little assembly required, and for this not-so-mechanically-inclined gal, that was music to my ears. As I looked at all the pieces and wooden panels strategically placed on my carpet, I became overwhelmed. I found my native language on the manufacturer's directions, read them, and still felt stressed. I was about to give up before I started, and then it dawned on me, that I could ask God for help. I said a quick prayer and reread and reread the directions, until the bookcase came together - secure enough to hold my books and knickknacks.

At the start of the project, my confidence was in the wrong thing: myself. I wanted to prove that I was capable of completing this task, and in so doing, I put all my confidence in my abilities, instead of seeking God to partner with me. "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15 NIV) No situation is above God's reach. He wants us to go to Him about everything. It wasn't silly for me to ask God for assistance in putting together the household contraption. Blessed is the one "who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him." (Jeremiah 17:7)

Lord, When I get overconfident about my skills and talents, gently remind me the source of those talents and gifts, You-my wonderful Creator. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org

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