Who gets the credit?
A rabbi once said the resume of a follower of God should be very short.
While we were in Egypt, we saw picture after picture that told the common people that Pharaoh was responsible for the good things that happened in life. He made the Nile flood, he provided the good crops, he handed out justice to Egypt’s enemies; he alone was in charge.
When God led the Israelites in the desert, He was in charge. They had to count on Him for direction, for food and water, and for protection against their enemies. After He took care of them and led them through the wilderness and took them to the Promised Land, He had trouble with them trying to do it on their own again. Read Deuteronomy 8:17 and 18:
You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
When you go to the Promised Land do you still give God credit for what happens or is it by your strength and your power that good things happen.
“I got a job.”
“I was sick, but I got well.”
“I got straight A’s this semester.”
These are all typical statements we make without thinking of the source of all our blessings. It is easy to count on God when you’re in the desert and you can’t begin to do it yourself, but when things go smoothly it doesn’t take us long to try to handle it ourselves and take the credit.
About the author:
Bob is the creator of this site and a disciple of Ray Vander Laan. Along with his wife of 50 years, he teaches a Bible study at Christ’s Church in Roswell, NM. He is also an avid hunter and fisher.