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.
— Deuteronomy 8:17-18
A rabbi once said,” the resume of a follower of YHVH should be very short.”
While visiting Egypt’s pyramids and temples, we saw picture after picture written on stone that told the common people that Pharaoh was responsible for all the good things that happened in life. He made the Nile flood so that the crops would grow, he provided for the harvest, and most importantly, he handed out justice to Egypt’s enemies. Pharaoh alone was in charge and he was the one you looked to for security and blessing.
When God led the Israelites into the desert, after freeing them from Pharaoh, He was in charge. They had to count on Him for direction, for food and water, and for protection against their enemies. For forty years, YHVH alone was the sole provider for the needy Israelites.
After YHVH 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 things on their own. They wanted to take credit for their abundant provision and protection from their enemies. (Deut 8:17&18)
When you get 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 landed a really good job”, or “I was sick last week, but now I am better”, or ” I got straight A’s on my report card last semester” are all typical statements that we make without thinking of the source of all our blessings. It is easy to count on God when you are in the desert and you can’t begin to do it by yourself. But, when things go smoothly, it doesn’t take us long to try to handle it ourselves and take the credit. This is just a little something to think about the next time you are in a situation where God blesses you with something. Give Him 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.