My Own Self!

Every parent has had their own experience with toddlerhood. With the newfound freedom that comes with the mobility of walking, little ones strive for independence. It occurs to different degrees in different children and the verbiage may be a little bit different, but every parent will hear a rejection of their help. Echoing loudly will be statements such as “My own self!” or “I do it myself!” The sentiment is clear that as much difficulty as a little one is having, he/she does not want any help from anyone. Self-sufficiency has come with a vengeance.

As a parent, it is difficult to watch a children struggle when one knows he/she can make things so much simpler. It can be heartbreaking to watch little ones flounder and learn from their mistakes. Toddlers will move forward trying with all their ability to accomplish a task. Sometimes they are successful, but other times the task is too much for them. In these events the little ones will often fall to the floor in frustration. The frustration can be marked by tears or anger. Defeat is not easy to admit.

How often do we do the same thing as we go about our lives? God has told us to come to Him in every situation. Yet often we step out, trying to do things in our own knowledge and wisdom. We feel as though we are fully capable of handling life by ourselves. We move forward with plans that we have made without seeking the wisdom of God.

Just like that toddler who has a very limited view of the world around him, we do not see everything that is occurring around us. Only God knows the future and the plans that he has set in place. “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP) He has had a plan prepared before we were even born. “Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]” (Ephesians 1:4-5 AMP)

The magnitude of these great plans for us is not something that we can easily comprehend. And yet instead of consulting Him in the decisions that we make, we press forward only to find ourselves frustrated and incapable of working out our situations. We believe that we can reason our way to the best path for us. We are confident that we can figure it all out for ourselves. Wisdom tells us that this is not true. “A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” (Proverbs 16:9 AMP) Seeking and following the direction of the Lord is always the best course of action.

We often attempt to handle our own problems. This was never God’s intention. As a loving Father, He desires to protect and take care of His children.  We are to trust Him with all of our troubles. “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” (1 Peter 5:7 AMP) We must look to Him for help in all of life’s circumstances. “And call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor and glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15 AMP)

As we grow, we learn that we cannot do all things on our own. Loving parents will guide and assist their children to become the best they can be and grow to fulfill their potential. Our loving Heavenly Father desires that we become that unique individual that He has created us to be. “For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP)

 We receive the Lord’s direction, protection and guidance for our lives through seeking and trusting Him. “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP) Only through trust will we walk into all God has for us.

Do not allow a desire for independence cause you to miss the direction and help the Lord offers. Trust and seek Him in all things.