Trusting our own ability can feel secure until we reach limits we cannot overcome. Life with Christ teaches us to act responsibly while recognizing that our true sufficiency comes from God.
Devotional
In 2 Corinthians 3:4-5, Paul says that his confidence before God came through Christ and acknowledges that his sufficiency is from God. These words reach our desire to prove that we can handle everything on our own.
It is easy to feel secure in what we know how to do. When things go well, we may begin to believe that our experience is enough to carry us through life. Then something exceeds our ability, and the heart becomes unsettled.
Recognizing our limits can be uncomfortable. At times, we keep trying to control the outcome because depending on God requires us to admit that some situations cannot be managed the way we want. There are also changes within us that effort alone cannot complete. We need the grace of Christ at work in us.
Depending on God does not remove personal responsibility. We still make decisions and care for what has been entrusted to us. What changes is where our security rests.
You may be carrying a responsibility as though everything depends on you. Notice the weight that has created. Do what is within your reach and acknowledge before the Lord what is beyond your strength. Our abilities find their proper place when they remain dependent on God.
Prayer
Lord, show me where I have relied too heavily on my own ability. Teach me to carry my responsibilities while remembering that I depend on You for what my strength cannot accomplish. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Bible reference
4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;
