Pride in Strength?

​We pride ourselves on our strength.  When difficulties arise, we want to prove to others that we can rise above all trials and obstacles and overcome. We want to be able to say that we overcame the hardships and “came out on top”.  We are all drawn and attracted to stories of people who overcame insurmountable odds and attained their goal, be it an athletic feat or perhaps an invention; or people who fought for land and country when it appeared that the war was lost.  We gravitate towards strength.

​But what if that self-sufficient strength is exactly what the Lord wants to destroy?  Your strength, even if it is well trained, will fail the places God wants to plant you.  You need God’s strength.  

Your strength, even if it is well trained, will fail the places God wants to plant you...He wants to build our lives on a sure foundation on Him, of implicit trust and reliance, and unwavering confidence in Him.

​He doesn’t want to break us down for our harm or to force us to submit.  But He can’t build on top of us; on top of our skills, our strength, or our resources.  Relying on Him for strength and courage doesn’t mean we give as much as possible and He makes up the difference.  He wants to build our lives on a sure foundation on Him, of implicit trust and reliance and unwavering confidence in Him.   And that means our self-reliance and self-sufficiency must go.

When you hit the end of your strength; when you realize that you can’t move forward one more step, or even one more minute, STOP!  Stop striving, stop pushing, stop driving.  Stop trying harder just one more time.  Stop trying to be more.  Instead, thank Him for showing you your weakness.   Thank Him for the circumstances that show you the futility of trying to rely on your own strength.  Ask Him to build your foundation upon Him alone, the Immovable Great I Am.  

"Lord, thank you for bringing me to the end of my strength.  It is hard for me to stop striving.  Help me to stop trying to be more.  Do whatever is necessary in my life so You can build my life upon You, my sure foundation and steady rock."