Outside of Your Element?

“And the Philistine said unto David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine . . .: This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand.” (1 Samuel 17:44, 45a, 46a)

Self-assured, mighty warrior, nine-foot-tall Goliath confidently performed inside his element while the young shepherd-boy stood confidently though totally outside his. David was the victor in the confrontation because his confidence was in God, not his ability.

Being confident in what we do, it’s easy to settle comfortably “inside our element”—to become lax, even lazy. We’re not lazy in what we do but negligent in relying on God. And our Father will have none of that with His children. God wants you to succeed in what He has prepared for you to achieve but may cripple you in an area where you are over-confident, not admitting, and giving credit to the Source of your success. His activity in your life may expose an over-confidence area, which may trigger embarrassment, denial, or even defiance. But God’s intent is a turning of your heart and mind to Him (repentance). When He puts you in an uncomfortable and unfamiliar place, outside of your element, He does so that you learn to rely on Him and trust His Word. When you do, success is yours. Thank God today for the blessings of His presence, grace, and care.