“For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39
Dependence on God:
· “As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.” 2 Chr. 26:5
· “The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.’ So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning (dependence on God).” Ex. 17:8-11
Dependence on self:
· “You have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception…because you have depended on your own strength” Hos. 10:13
· “But Moses said, ‘Why are you disobeying the LORD's command? This will not succeed! Do not go up, because the LORD is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies’…Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the LORD's covenant moved from the camp. Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked them and beat them down all the way to Hormah. Num. 14:41-45
Living life depending on God frees us! ~Instead of personally making something happen, when we sense God telling us to do (or not to do something), we’re wise to put in the work towards that end whilst watching God open and close the doors, thus allowing HIM to be in charge of the results.
Ask: What am I doing today in my own strength (no matter how noble)?
Next question: WHY? …Do I actually LIKE being stressed out and maxed?
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph 2:10
Each of us has a unique call…a unique call for every moment of every day through a lifetime.
Question: Am I doing what I am called to be doing right now, no more or no less?
We Cleary’s are certainly asking ourselves this question as we “spread the fleece” in a few areas (Jdgs 6:34-40). Will you join us?
Much love,
Shaun and Betsy
