"So you too, when you have accomplished all that is commanded you, say: 'We are unworthy servants; we have done only what we ought to have done.'" (Gospel of Luke, chapter 17, verse 10*)
"What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." (First Corinthians, chapter 3, verses 5-7*)
There are people who rethink and analyze every situation thoroughly, especially their personal involvement in it. This is the human way to assess how we did or did not handle things and to draw conclusions. This is how we learn, develop, and change for the better. To a great extent, we also seek the security of the familiar. People who tend to overanalyze themselves actually seek security in this. The idea behind this action is that a person believes that with sufficient preparation and self-assessment, they can be ready for any situation, protect themselves from any danger, and handle any challenge. Alas, when we become overly focused on ourselves, we exclude the most important factor, namely, God. How is that so?
What you focus on the most becomes your focal point and leading motive. Even our physical brain tends to "blind" us to the surrounding environment when we fixate on a particular point. It's the same in the spiritual world. By giving too much value to our abilities or the lack thereof, we exclude the One who enables us to do what we are called to do. Moses did exactly this when Yahweh spoke to him from the burning bush, telling him that he would appear before Pharaoh and free the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Moses started looking into himself and his abilities, even arguing with God, trying to convince Him that he was not the right person for the mission.
"Moses said to the Lord, 'Pardon Your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.' The Lord said to him, 'Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'" (Book of Exodus, chapter 4, verses 10-11*, bold emphasis is ours)
A similar situation is seen in the life of the prophet Jeremiah, who was called by God to be a prophet while still a child: "The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.' 'Alas, Sovereign Lord,' I said, 'I do not know how to speak; I am too young.' But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the Lord." (Book of Jeremiah, chapter 1, verses 4-8*, bold emphasis is ours)
The Bible also provides examples of people who consider themselves more than what they are. The story of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar is described in the book of Daniel. The king had a prophetic dream concerning himself, and Daniel interpreted it, warning the king to be careful, as he was in danger of being punished for his pride. Apparently, Nebuchadnezzar did not reflect on the dream, and a year later, he contributed to its fulfillment for one reason only—unhealthy introspection. Out of pride, the king focused on his deeds, his palace, and the empire he had built, and he openly praised his own person. "The king said, 'Is this not the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?'" The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven: 'This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.'" (Book of Daniel, chapter 4, verses 27-29*, bold emphasis is ours)
We see that what we think we are capable of or who we are is not always true. Even if we are objectively right about some of our qualities or abilities, awareness of them should not be our leading factor. The first thing to consider when we are about to undertake, say, or solve something difficult is not our personal ability or lack thereof.
First, we should personally verify whether the given challenge before us is according to God's will. Second, we should examine our personal motives for participating in it. Third, we can realistically assess whether we could manage it, but if we have gone through the first check and believe it is God's will to participate, have examined our motives in the second check, and they are genuinely pure, then third, we should remain open to God's supernatural intervention in us. It turns out it's best to forget about ourselves and focus on God, who gives us the ability for everything according to His will.
Thought of the Week: Forget about yourself, remember Who is your strength and ability! "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians, chapter 4, verse 13*)
*Bible quotes are according to the text of Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013.
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