Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9).
This dramatic statement by the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul has given me a much needed explanation of my life’s journey and the strength to continue it with hope and spiritual vigor. Not trusting in ourselves is a major hurdle that we all must face and overcome. Generally, we face our hurdles without recognizing that they are not our real problem. Often, we look at difficulties as the devil coming against us; therefore, we pray and pray believing that the Lord will remove our impediments without realizing that they are designed to destroy self-trust. Trusting in ourselves is our real hurdle.
Self-trust is a weapon that the enemy often uses to defeat us. Paul says that the sentence of death in ourselves is God-ordained; that we should not trust in ourselves, but in the ever-present, all knowing, and all powerful God. The scriptures say, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3: 5-7). These scriptures tell us how to be victorious in all situations and circumstances. We are to trust the Lord with all our heart and not be wise in our own eyes! We must not lean on our own understanding or trust in our natural wisdom because our understanding and wisdom are inadequate and limited. Jesus is the Wisdom of God. Let’s practice leaning on and acknowledging Him in everything we do. This is His road to success. The promise is that He will direct our paths.
We are designed by God to live in total dependence upon Him. It was Adam’s independence that caused our problems. Disobedience says, “I’m my own person.” It is an expression of self-trust and not trust in the Lord. Trusting in the Lord means obeying Him and depending on Him even when you don’t understand.
Let us thank the Lord in all our trials because He is bringing us to the end of ourselves. When we no longer have self to depend on, we will have learned to depend upon and trust Jesus, our Lord.
Be Blessed! Pastor Don