With the Help of God

   “But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matt 10: 30)

   We can be an arrogant prideful people.  Far too often we boast of the success we have achieved or brag of the certainty of the success to come.  Far less often do we recognize that we can do nothing without God and give Him credit for our accomplishments.

   Some who have had great success in their lives lord it over others and speak as though their achievements are due to their own efforts.  In one sense that is true, without hard work on our part success isn’t possible.  But more importantly, if God does not bless our efforts those achievements will not come regardless of how hard we work.  One may gain short-term success in this world but unless our efforts are directed to the next life as well we work for nothing.  All we gain and achieve in earthly matters will mean nothing in eternity.  Only the success of our spiritual life will have value.

   The jockey who rode Justify to success in the Kentucky Derby demonstrated the proper attitude toward earthly achievement.  When asked to tell about winning the race his response was to first thank God and recognize Jesus in his life.  I notice other sports players who acknowledge God's part in their accomplishments.  Some point to the heavens in obvious recognition of God’s help in hitting a home run or scoring a goal.  Others simply demonstrate a selfish pride in their attitude that points only to them.

   The very next breath we take will be taken through the will of God.  Should He determine this day is to be our last it will be so.  We sometimes act as if we have all the time in the world to realize our plans and goals.  Yet we own no time; it all belongs to God.  He gives us the time He has planned for us and it is our responsibility to use it wisely and according to His will.  God’s generosity toward us is overwhelming yet rarely recognized.

   “I’ll see you later, God willing.”  This phrase or ones similar speak to the recognition that God’s will is foremost in all things.  Tennessee Ernie Ford, Red Skelton and Pat Boone used to always close their television variety shows with their acknowledgement of God’s will in their success.  Without God’s will we are nothing and can come to nothing.

   All success is by the will and mercy of God even for those who refuse to admit it.  May His will be done in our lives and may we give Him all glory and praise for any success we attain in this world.  May we plan far more for our eternal life than for our earthly one.