Text: Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man … [But] Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit“ (Jeremiah 17:5-8).
When we deal with ministry work, an employment situation or a family decision is our first response, “What must I do?” using information, evaluation and friends, or are we continually on our knees before the throne of God. The Bible provides many examples of those who failed in this area. Asa did not seek the Lord for his disease but only physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12-13); David counted his subjects to look for strength in numbers rather than strength in God (1 Chronicles 21:1-7); and Uzziah had success from God when he sought the Lord but when he “became powerful, his pride led to his downfall” (2 Chronicles 26:16).
What is our attitude concerning both responsibilities and opportunities that God provides for us? Do we depend on God to be used for His glory or do we start to think that our intelligence, decisions and abilities are required?
The apostle Paul had more “reasons to put confidence in the flesh” than anyone but considered it all a “loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7). Remember, the Bible warns that there is “nothing good” in us and God warns, “No flesh shall glory in my presence"(1 Corinthians 1:29).
Calvary Chapel of Richmond is a local fellowship of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our supreme desire is to know Christ and be conformed to His image by the power of the Holy Spirit through the continuous study and application of God's Word.
