You never have to strive for things.
strive
/strīv/
(Google Dictionary):
make great efforts to achieve or obtain something
struggle or fight vigorously.
Striving is sweating, worrying, fussing, toiling and trying oh-so-hard. I’ve been there.
Strivers run a hamster wheel that never stops. They tend to be tired and annoyed at all God requires of them. They “make’ like they are waiting on God, but push forward like everything will combust if they actually do.
Some may call them “eager” or “over-achievers”. Underneath all of that, they often want to feel special, loved, and are afraid of failure.
Peter was a bit of a striver.
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (Jo. 18:10)
I’ll take care of this Jesus. . .
I know what to do. . .
I have the answer. . .
I can defend the situation. . .
“Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Jo. 18:11
Jesus doesn’t need our sword to execute His plan. He doesn’t need our ambition to see through His future. He, who sees the end from the beginning, knows how to take us to where He is going.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. (Prov. 16:9)
We plan, God establishes.
We devise, God revises our way.
We see the great thing, God sees His greater thing through.
My latest question to God has been, “God when do you “do it” and when do you want to see me go — do it?”
His answer was, “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
If everything is from Him and through Him, all for the purposes of — His glory, why would I ever want to do something through me, and steal His glory?
Striving steals God’s glory.
Prayer: God, you are God enough for me to wait on you. You are good enough for me to trust in you. Give me peace in the wait and joy in the process of seeing you move. Your ways are greater. May they come forth. Give me a heart to give you all glory. I love you, Jesus. Amen.
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Glory be to God for His word!
What a great reminder that while we may think what we are striving for is “great”, God’s plans for us are even “greater” than what we could ever hope for! We are truly missing out on the greater life God has for us if we keep striving for something less than.
My latest question to God has been, “God when do you “do it” and when do you want to see me go — do it?” That’s exactly what I have been asking!!!
We talk about not striving in our own strength but other times God is asking us to take those hard steps and strive towards something greater. It’s not going to just come to us, He calls us to go after it. It’s a balance that takes the Holy Spirits guidance in our lives. Always seeking to see which one is needed for that situation.
Thank you for the encouragement and reminders!
Kelly,
I’m not sure why I always think God needs my help? Thank you for the reminder that I can rest a bit…the battle belongs to Him and it’s only through His moving that the glory is His.
Blessings,
Bev