Thursday, November 13, 2008

Where Not to Put My Confidence


For we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:3 (New American Standard Bible)


Coming to the end of ourselves and what we can do is often the beginning of allowing God to do what only He can do. He is not looking for us to pull ourselves up by our own boot straps, to fix ourselves, to change ourselves, or to mold ourselves. Our trust, reliance, and dependency upon Him delight Him because that is exactly where He wants us to be. When our confidence is in our own strength and ability it does not result in worship of Him or glory to Him. It results in a spirit of self sufficiency and pride. It also results in failure, disappointment, and emptiness.

I have come to understand that while I can change my behavior in certain areas of my life, I am helpless to change my heart. My heart is what drives my thoughts, emotions, and actions. Just as I did not give myself my own heart beat, the direction of my heart must continually be placed in God’s hands. He does the molding. He does the changing. He does the work.

I have succeeded in behavior modification before but because it was only about my behavior true and lasting change was not forthcoming. The inability to change my own heart drove me to my knees and on my face before my Creator God. He has astounded me with what He is able to accomplish.

God is using deliverance in one area of my life to confirm to me that deliverance in another area of my life will be forthcoming. While I cannot pinpoint the exact moment deliverance happened I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it did! The struggle in this particular area is non existent and I am infused with Jesus’ words that, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” He is letting me know that the same will be true in the other area that is still a struggle although progress has been made. In the first area, I am living in freedom and wholeness. In the second area, I am anticipating freedom and wholeness. Hope is alive as my confidence has shifted to the only One who can bring about the necessary changes. I must cooperate with Him but He will do the transforming.

Father, the changes that are coming from You and through You are profound and I give You the praise, credit, and worship for it. Amen.

MY LIFE IS IN YOU LORD!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0M0NALW7EM&feature=related