Self-reliance, or Surrender?
I’m watching my grandchildren as they’re learning how to do things for themselves, growing in confidence as they manage simple tasks like drinking from a cup and using eating utensils. Their achievements are met with encouragement and praise with each new skill mastered. Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, all smile and applaud as the little ones soak in the love that is being showered upon them, helping them to risk trying the next challenge presented. “Good job, Honey!” “Way to go, Buddy!” And as the kids are becoming more and more articulate, we hear “I did it!,” accompanied by a well deserved smile and self-satisfaction.
In the world of faith my focus has become self-surrender, as the Word “without Me, you can do nothing,” (John 15:5) echoes often in my thoughts. I’m wondering how this transition takes place, and thinking it needs to begin right at the start. Helping the little ones know that everything good comes from the Creator, from the Good God Who loves them and gives them the ability to do anything. Knowing that He created us to learn and to grow, to use the gifts He’s given us, and that indeed all is gift from Him. And to know too how pleased He is with their abilities and progress, that He too is cheering them on, and whispering “God job, My beloved daughter!” And “Way to go, beloved child of My Heart!” My own heart desires to hear them respond, “See what God has helped me to do!” And to know in their hearts that He is their constant help, that their accomplishments are pleasing to Him, and that He is always looking at them with love and encouragement.
I recently heard Debbie Herbeck share how she encouraged her daughters, beginning at age 3, to look in the mirror each morning and repeat, “I am a beloved daughter of God.” To teach them right from the start that they have been created by a Good God, Who loves them unconditionally, and will help them do all that they ever need to do, so they may become all they have been created to be.
One of the primary obstacles to union with God is said to be “self-reliance.” How we need to teach the little ones the necessary skills to master as they grow, within the framework of God’s provision. As they grow, to help them to grasp the gift of the Holy Spirit Who enables them to function beyond their natural abilities, and accomplish “exceedingly abundantly beyond all we ask or imagine,” (Eph 3:20), all for the Glory of God!
It seems it goes back to recognizing that they are not doing anything alone, but always with the help of the Good God who loves them. As I’m becoming more aware of my own littleness, of my own nothingness, perhaps this reflection is for me. I’m that little child, weak and helpless, but empowered by the very Holy Spirit Who raised Jesus from the tomb!
“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. (Rom 8:11) Praise God Who calls me to be always God-reliant and not self-reliant!
Lord God, thank you for reminding me of Your ever-present help and strength to do all You ask of me, as I watch our grandchildren learning new skills. May we all know that indeed nothing is possible without You, not even the next breath we take, that we may live in the attitude of gratitude for all that you enable us to do and be, for Your praise and Glory…
Spiritual Sun Pennies 