"Thou hast granted me life and favor, and Thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.” Job 10:12
Understanding balance is probably one of the most difficult things for us to do. We stand in awe of those who are athletes, dancers, and acrobats; because, their discipline allows them to be able to achieve feats that somehow seem unnatural to us. I remember the first time I saw Michael Jordan play basketball. While he was already in the air, he stepped upwards twice as if he was actually going up a staircase to dunk the basketball. He languished in mid-air as he placed the basketball in the net, while all the other players watched him from below his unseen staircase to the hoop. To viewers, he seemed to have a God-given ability far superior to his opponents. But to his teammates, he was the hardest working member, practicing more hours than any other player on his team.
Sometimes we look at our own lives, and do not understand the balance between relying on our natural abilities and/or God’s Divine interaction. Often, one is clearer than the other, as it should be. While at other times, we can hardly determine which one is which. The truth is, save yourself some time and effort in trying to decipher the origin and just give God the glory, because either way, the gift came from Him.
Yes, there are times when you will receive God’s favor and emerge the victor when you have not trained for the fight. However, it is better to study for the exam and pray to ace it, than to pray to pass it and not study. If you have studied for the exam, at least God in His compassion can move the information buried deep within the recess of your brain and send it to the forefront.
There are times when God will use your natural ability and there are times when He will use His.
Ideally, we train, develop, and strengthen our natural ability, because, as we do so, it is homage to God for the gift He has given us. Yet, we rely on His strength because we know we cannot accomplish much without it.
You alone know what is natural to you and what is not; and, it is up to you whether you give God glory for your simple knowledge, superior skill, or His favor. So, achieving true balance is individual; it is your ideal understanding of how God responds in your life, and can be the difference whether your gifts are used for greatness or mediocrity. L.
Study Reference: Job 10:9-13
From: "The Balancing Act." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: istock
Understanding balance is probably one of the most difficult things for us to do. We stand in awe of those who are athletes, dancers, and acrobats; because, their discipline allows them to be able to achieve feats that somehow seem unnatural to us. I remember the first time I saw Michael Jordan play basketball. While he was already in the air, he stepped upwards twice as if he was actually going up a staircase to dunk the basketball. He languished in mid-air as he placed the basketball in the net, while all the other players watched him from below his unseen staircase to the hoop. To viewers, he seemed to have a God-given ability far superior to his opponents. But to his teammates, he was the hardest working member, practicing more hours than any other player on his team.
Sometimes we look at our own lives, and do not understand the balance between relying on our natural abilities and/or God’s Divine interaction. Often, one is clearer than the other, as it should be. While at other times, we can hardly determine which one is which. The truth is, save yourself some time and effort in trying to decipher the origin and just give God the glory, because either way, the gift came from Him.
Yes, there are times when you will receive God’s favor and emerge the victor when you have not trained for the fight. However, it is better to study for the exam and pray to ace it, than to pray to pass it and not study. If you have studied for the exam, at least God in His compassion can move the information buried deep within the recess of your brain and send it to the forefront.
There are times when God will use your natural ability and there are times when He will use His.
Ideally, we train, develop, and strengthen our natural ability, because, as we do so, it is homage to God for the gift He has given us. Yet, we rely on His strength because we know we cannot accomplish much without it.
You alone know what is natural to you and what is not; and, it is up to you whether you give God glory for your simple knowledge, superior skill, or His favor. So, achieving true balance is individual; it is your ideal understanding of how God responds in your life, and can be the difference whether your gifts are used for greatness or mediocrity. L.
Study Reference: Job 10:9-13
From: "The Balancing Act." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: istock
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