Sunday, November 14, 2010

Give God Credit

"Because you said, 'The Nile is mine; I made it,' therefore I am against you and against your streams, and I will make the land of Egypt a ruin and a desolate waste from Migdol to Aswan, as far as the border of Cush." - Ezekiel 29:9b-10

God hates pride. He's told us again and again. We're not to give ourselves credit for what He does. Egypt didn't listen. They were proud of The Nile and took credit for it. So God destroyed Egypt. That's just how it goes.

God created The Nile. He is the giver of all good things. He just is. Everyone knows it. So why do people want to take credit for what He does? I just don't understand it. We want to take credit for the good stuff and blame God for the bad stuff. That's just foolish.

No one is successful without God's blessing. I don't care how hard you work or who you know or how lucky you think you are. You are successful when God gives you opportunities and resources and, then, you do what He leads you to do. Are people who aren't Christians successful? Of course they are. But only when God allows it. Remember that sometimes God uses people who aren't Christians in order to further His plan. God is in control of all things at all times.

Sometimes people think God handles the big stuff but leaves the little stuff to us. Only if we're intent on self-destruction. God is in the details. Just ask Him. I'm thankful He provided a good parking spot today. I'm thankful for the coffee this morning. I'm thankful for the craft show and that I had money to spend. I'm thankful for safe travel and a good lunch. I could go on and on. God provides. He takes care of me day by day. It took me a long time to learn that.

Think that's little stuff? A man who lives just down the road went shopping with his wife one day. It was something they'd done numerous times. He pulled out in front of someone and his wife died on impact. Just a quick trip they'd taken numerous times over the years. No need for God to get involved. They had it handled. Except they didn't.

We don't ever have everything handled. We can't control our own actions much less those of people around us. Things happen unexpectantly. We need God in the little things as well as the big things because sometimes those little things become big things in an instant.

It's so easy to want credit when we have success or when someone we love has success. We are filled with pride and want to tell everyone. Sure, we should feel good when our lives are going great. But don't ever forget to give God credit for all the good that comes your way. Don't be like Egypt. Don't boast of all you own and all you've done. Every blessing comes from God. Thank Him when He blesses you and give Him all the credit and glory.