Thought for the Day

Verse 25 - Prideful people, (Christians included) stir up strife by contending for their rights and what they think is due to them. They try to obtain their desires by their own efforts. Those who trust in the Lord do not strive for their rights. They bring a matter of injury or injustice to God and leave it in His hands. They do not give in to the pride of life; the temptation to look good or smart or capable or tough to others by defending themselves or returning insult for insult. They humble themselves by obeying God's commandments, even if it means looking foolish or weak to their enemies and friends. Those who trust God instead of their own ways will be blessed and enriched.

Verse 26 - God has given us gifts and abilities, but relying upon them outside of His guidance is foolish. No one has a sufficient understanding to solve all problems. God alone is the final authority on every subject. We must learn to obey Him even when we do not understand how He is leading. We cannot be guided by His Word, if we do not know what it says. Since keeping God's Word lights the pathway of life and keeps us from stumbling, we should make it a priority to understand God's ways and gain His wisdom.

When we are born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. He gives us "spiritual eyes" to see His ways. When we submit to God, His Spirit begins to lead us. Even when we do not understand His leading, we must follow Him in faith, knowing that He will not lead us astray. Faith is necessary to please God, for whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). The only way to receive faith is by hearing His Word: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Our faith grows as we study and obey His Word. Jesus Himself is the Word of God Incarnate, and the Bible is the written Word. Therefore, our faith grows when we hear a word from Him. Some refer to Christians as having "blind faith" but our faith is actually in a real person - Jesus Christ - and therefore it is not "blind." Before our eyes were opened to His love, we were blind, but now we see Him, and a new life is ours. If the Holy Spirit leads us, difficult situations are never hopeless, though they might look like that from our perspective. God can take us around any obstacle. Nothing is impossible with him! We are limited, but He is limitless and His specialty is miracles. We only limit Him when we don't trust and obey Him. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).