June 27: God's Strength Vs Human Strength

One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people.Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. (Exodus 2:11-12 NIV)  

There are two ways things can be done- God's way or your way. Two seasons things gets done- God's time or your time and two means of getting things done- God's ability or yours. 
In our text today, Moses chose in every instance to depend on himself. Despite the nobility of his purpose to help his people, he acted out of God's timing, used is own method which involved murder, and relied solely on his physical strength.

This points to Moses' state then. Raised in the palace, a prince of Egypt, he probably had confidence in his ability to bring deliverance to his people, God's assistance notwithstanding. He was angry, proud and self-dependent. It wasn't until forty years afterward, after becoming a  fugitive, serving as a shepherd in the back of the desert, that he eventually had the right image of himself, a man who has to  fully depend on God, totally untrusting of his own ability to get the work done. It took all those years for Moses' pride, anger and self- dependence to wear away. 

He was taught—not to depend on human strength, but on God. He had to learn patience, self-control and faith. Through this work of God, Moses eventually became the meekest man on the earth according to bible testimony( Numbers 12:3). This he lacked during the events of our text  today.

We also face the temptation to depend on ourselves. We want to do things based on our timing, using our methods and depending on our personal capabilities. This is folly, and it  only leaves us frustrated and relegated because of delays. You are not called to carry out God's plans for you by your intelligence, connections or strength. You are called instead to a life of trust and total dependence on God. You are called to to a spirit-controlled and empowered life. "So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6).

No matter how strong you feel about a task and how noble your purpose is, you are to accomplish it with God's strength. His strength is perfect and when you rely on it, seemingly impossible things get done. God's work done His way and in His strength will never lack His supplies and backing. 

So examine what you are doing today. Is it an exercise in self-reliance or an adventure with God? 
The answer is crucial to whether it will be a success or not or whether you destroy or wear out yourself in the process of getting it done or you get it done empowered by the Spirit. Make up your mind today to live in total God-dependence.

Decision of the Day

I refuse to do God's work relying only on my wisdom, strength or capabilities. I will walk in God's timing and seek to know and adopt His ways of doing things. I will depend fully on God.