2 Corinthians 3:4-5
“Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”
Last week I was reading a book by Don Piper, entitled, “90 Minutes In Heaven.” It was wonderful to read about the sights and sounds he encountered, but I was greatly impressed by the ordeal he encountered when he returned to earth and faced excruciating pain to survive.
In the days that followed his miraculous survival of his horrendous crash, family, friends and people from his church were eager to see him and almost always asked if they could help in any way. He always refused their offer.
One of the most insightful parts of Don’s story of recovery was how he fought through self-sufficient depression. As a pastor he had been on the ministry end of things. He was encouraging and helping those who were going through an ordeal.
Suddenly the situation was reversed and he was forced to rely on others for just about everything. It struck at the very heart of his pride. A pastor friend confronted him and told him directly that he had to get his act together and allow people to give him assistance. His failure to do so robbed them of a blessing.
Pride may disguise itself in many forms. It is deceitful. We must realize that pride when we can honestly pray Job 1: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” Watch out for sneaky pride!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil