Devotion for August 10, 2008

Depend on God

“[There is] no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the LORD. The horse [is] prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance [is] of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:30-31 NKJV).

Nothing will stop the Lord from accomplishing His will. To rely on instruments of war, like the horse, is truly vain. True the horse must be prepared for the battle, but it cannot defeat the enemy without the blessing of God.

Safety and salvation are of the Lord; he can save without armies, but armies cannot save without him; and therefore he must be sought to and trusted in for success, and when success is obtained he must have all the glory. When we are preparing for the day of battle our great concern must be to make God our friend and secure his favor—Matthew Henry

It is so very easy to worry and strategize when facing difficult situations. Even when struggling with one’s assurance a person can become focused on the duties of faith and forget the object of faith.

It is important to use all the secondary means available to a believer to grow spiritually. Reading, prayer, and meditation are critical. However, if one looks to those means only, he will be found wanting in the end. Believers must never lose sight of or dependence upon God.

All of one’s reading, meditating, and praying must be done by faith. Abraham was said to have believed God. His works were in accordance with faith. Works and faith must go hand in hand.

“Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God” (James 2:22-23 NKJV).

Are you depending upon God for your salvation? Church attendance will not save you. Singing in the choir will not save you. Self-reformation will not save you. There is nothing wrong with doing any of those things, but deliverance is of the Lord!

My dear friends please take as long as required and make sure your trust is in the righteousness of Christ and not yourself.