Julia Melatis – Author

God helps those who help themselves is not biblical at all. The quote originated from Algernon Sydney in 1698 in an article titled Discourses Concerning Government. This saying gives the impression that we rely on our “flesh” rather than faith to accomplish our goals.

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:3‬, 9 ‭BSB‬‬
[3] Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be achieved. ‭‭
[9] A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

God is not obligated to make our choices work out. We must trust in and rely upon Him and His direction to accomplish our goals, even if the goal He sets before us is not exactly what we had in mind. The goal of every believer is to become completely dependent upon God. That does not mean we never have a part to play, things to do to accomplish something, but Jesus clearly stated in ‭‭John‬ ‭15:5‬ ‭(BSB‬‬), “I am the vine you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” God can and does do things for us that we cannot do, sometimes without us doing anything more than trusting Him to accomplish it.

Isaiah‬ ‭25:4‬ ‭BSB‬‬
[4] For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall,

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17:47‬ ‭BSB‬‬
[47] And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”
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Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭BSB‬‬
[14] The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

We often make life harder than it needs to be because we insist on doing things our way and desire things we don’t need. Let me leave you with this sweet gem from Proverbs that illustrates the benefits of putting our complete faith and trust in God.

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:1‭-‬12‬ ‭BSB‬‬
[1] My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; [2] for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life. [3] Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. [4] Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. [7] Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. [8] This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. [9] Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; [10] then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. [11] My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord, and do not loathe His rebuke; [12] for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.

With Blessings of Hope and Joy,

Julia

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