MARCH 16, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

MARCH 16 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 6:25-24

I am not sure how this all works, but I am sure that a big part of what drives us to God are the events and circumstances of life. It is particularly true that adversity reminds us of a great need for God. Interestingly enough, I have seen people who go through similar difficult circumstances and one turn to God, while the other walks away. For we who are followers of Jesus, because of our nature to go on our own, the adversities of life remind us of our need and dependency on the Lord. We need Him every day, yet when everything is going smooth, we tend to forget Him and go on our own. Our prosperity and "good fortune” rather than reminding us of God, breeds a sense of personal accomplishment...a self-centered attitude... and a movement away from dependence on God.

It's funny, in our personal lives it's all about independence... particularly for us Americans. We teach it to our children, "You must be independent and stand on your own two feet.” Self-sufficiency has become our mantra..."You don't need anyone else, but yourself.” Personal accomplishment has become our god. If you don't believe me, just think about if someone asks how your kids or grandkids are doing. Nine times out of ten, we will respond with what they are accomplishing and never answer the question of "how they are.” We were created by and for God. That being the case, there is never a time we don't desperately need Him. He is life to us. We need His grace every day! He saves us by grace...He sustains us by grace. He keeps us by grace. We are to live by grace, totally and completely dependent upon Him. Biblical Christianity does not teach independence, but dependence. Maybe that is why it is so hard for the western mindset to grasp and accept it. The Holy Spirit in salvation not only changes our heart...He changes our minds, to accept that which is contrary to the philosophy of the age. Adversity in everyday life reminds us, that we are completely dependent upon the Lord and His amazing grace.

Please share your thoughts.