Steering Clear of Self-Sufficiency

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. - 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

The famous evangelist Jack Taylor was alone in his hotel room one night after a long meeting. He felt exhausted – but not just from the meeting. He was overwhelmed with performing the tasks of ministry. So he cried out to God in prayer, “Lord, if I have seen everything You have for me in my ministry, then take my life and let me die.” 

The prayer was followed by silence. So Taylor went to sleep.

The next morning, he woke up hearing God’s voice in his heart. He felt the Lord was saying, “Jack, I have answered your prayer and I am going to let you die… to yourself. I’ve seen your ministry, now I want you to see what I can do.”

Jack Taylor’s life and ministry were never the same again. He became totally dependent upon God and no longer strived and sputtered in the self-sufficiency of his flesh.

Daily life can often be exhausting. And when you add the responsibilities Christians have of reaching others with the Gospel – it can be overwhelming to try and do it on your own. But in those times you feel exhausted, remember you can rely on God.

You can’t do it all under you own power. Give Him your life, and watch what He can do through you! 

Prayer Challenge:

Ask God to help you resist the temptation to do everything in your own strength, and fully rely on Him every day.