A person that counts on himself will at some point face the predicament of turning back or see himself as weak, incapable or inadequate in life. In fact, it can often happen. People in general rely on their strength to achieve things. When it fails, their only option is to run away from triumph. Thus, we often hear men speak of inner strength, confidence, and courage and so on; there are even institutions with innovative methods to educate people for them. They use these so that one can go forward, make bold decisions, overcome problems or take risks to be triumphant. Living life in itself seeks strength and courage from us. Yet, why do we sometimes fail to provide them? Why do we feel weak and helpless? Why does it appear as if we have to give in to failure? Should it be this way?
There could be few reasons. First, it could be lack of trust in God. Then, it could be a sin in us that is not yet confessed. Or, it could be an ongoing situation which we should not have been in or have not entertained. But often the reason is counting oneself as “not good enough.” In other words, it is considering oneself as the least of all. This amounts to not trusting in God. This should not be the case with those that believe in Him. Often believers say ‘oh, I cannot do it,’ ‘I am not fit for it,’ ‘that’s not my area’ or ‘I am not qualified for it.’ And they take a back step in life. When we have become the Almighty’s sons, that which is in us does not affect our accomplishments. What affects them is the strength of the mighty God that gives courage. As His children we have a purpose from Him. When we trust in Him for it, He leads us along its lines helping us to achieve the unachievable. This was Paul’s belief when he said ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ He was certainly not speaking of his efforts and strength, but Christ’s; he was clearly not speaking of doing whatever, but those that are in God’s will, that are granted by Him and that are acceptable to Him.
Men that count on themselves or rely on their strength never trust in God. They will face days that makes them see as the least of all. Such state leads to disappointment, emotional stress and even to depression. A sin not confessed or an ongoing transgression inhibits one from seeking the Lord’s strength, and even inhibits from receiving them when provided. But when looked on the other side, i.e. trust in the Lord, confess our shortcomings and sin if any and turn away from them, it does not matter if one is the least or the insignificant. For the Bible says, “…he who was least was equal to a hundred and the greatest to a thousand” (1 Chron. 12:14). God turns us into the mighty. He strengthens us for unbelievable accomplishments. With Him at our side triumph is always our friend. Regardless of the magnitude of the problem and the situation we are in, we have winning strength. To be the least and still hope to triumph requires pure trust in the Lord’s mind. In other words, we trust in His promises and trust Him for His mysterious ways. A sign for such trust is rejoicing in Him. Pure trust is not anxious or worried.
God makes us triumph, because it is in His nature. “Who shows no partiality to princes nor regards the rich above the poor, for they all are the work of His hands” (Job 34:19). God regards those who look to Him. Those who look to Him focus on what He has intended for them. Remember, we are all the work of His hands. It means He knows us fully. He knows how to establish us. By our trust and faithfulness toward Him He provides us the winning strength. Perhaps your insignificance is a result of modest education, poverty, social background, childhood loss, disability or any other factor. But these never count to God to make you victorious in all your battles. Each believer has his or her own battles. Yet, each one should trust Him in the condition he or she is in. We ought not to work to change it or belittle it. Doing so is weakness and fear. But, we must let God run us through it. Then we realize His power. We further realize He has made us that way so that He is glorified and we are rewarded. This is our service to Him. A wise man said, “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity” (Prov. 2:7).
We are full of wisdom and impenetrable protection. This is His strength to us. Sound wisdom guides us to choose and make timely and appropriate decisions. It helps us to reason as God would. It helps us to see as God does. It helps us understand for profit. Therefore, God will always remain a shield over and around us. Our insignificance if any does not matter anymore; neither does our greatness or riches if any matter; for in any condition we are able to live on His strength. There are benefits to it.
- No loss. “Thus says the LORD, ‘Just so will I destroy the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem’” (Jer. 13:9). One huge disadvantage when not trusting in God and rely on self is the developing of pride. The moment we begin to trust our strength we start laying a foundation for irretrievable pride. With it we begin making wrong choices, deal falsely and act as if there is none above us. We forget who we are and our purpose. On the contrary, we do not face a single loss if we choose to depend on the Almighty’s power as Paul did. And if we lose anything, it is only to recover them later and to gain better things by the victory God gives. But to come to the point of our pride being destroyed is starting all over again and that too by the mercies of God.
- Fantastic hope. “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days– You would not believe if you were told” (Hab. 1:5). God will show us something we’ve never expected. He will bring us to something that elevates us and enlarges our ground. This is the gist of trusting and being faithful to Him.
- Continual vindication. Jesus said, “I tell you, this man [tax collector] went to his house justified rather than the other [Pharisee]; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14). We always triumph. God’s vindication helps us live in peace and harmony. For He does not count our trespasses against us, but rather gives grace and help. It is a good way for our pure trust in Him.
- We follow our Savior. “They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha” (John 19:17). For the sake of victories dared by our problems and circumstances we bear our cross. The kind of battle we suffer and the victory that follows by the strength of the Lord displays unspeakable volumes concerning truth, salvation, God’s will and the heavenly things.
Life places us in difficult places and agonizing circumstances, but it is not the end. It’s a way to the victorious end that comes through the strength of our wonderful and loving Savior. Trust in the Savior and you can truly live life.