2 Corinthians 1:9 “Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”
After what seemed like a marathon of work—writing, editing, rewriting, re-editing—the manuscript for my 365-day devotional book was finally ready for the printer. I was going through one last look (for the umpteenth time) when panic struck. The entry for September 4th was nowhere to be found! I could hardly believe my eyes, but the gap between September 3rd and September 5th glared at me with astonishing certainty. Changing the subtitle to 364 Devotions for God-Seekers did not seem like a good option.
Right then, my publisher called with what she referred to as “good news” and “bad news.” The good news: the printer had given the go-ahead to print. The bad news: my credit card had a glitch that needed to be fixed before beginning the process. After relaying to her my “very bad news,” she also panicked. She searched for the missing September 4th in her files, but to no avail. However, she said because of the delay caused by the credit card problem, if I sent her the original entry, she would have time to correct the mistake and still make our deadline.
Not only did we corral the runaway September 4th, I believe it happened for a reason. The Lord was sending me a gentle reminder that no matter how hard I try to cross every “t” and dot every “i” reliance on my own efforts is never enough. The God who let me discover the mistake and who kept the credit card from processing—he’s the one I need to rely on.
Paul knew all the circumstances he faced, even death, happened to remind him that the God he served was far more sufficient than he was. Relying on the God who can multiply fish and turn water into wine served as his modus operandi.
So what about you…when you experience a difficult breakup? Maybe this happened so you might rely on God. When your car runs out of gas and you’re late for your meeting? Maybe this happened so you might rely on God. When your “thorn in the flesh” refuses to go away? Maybe this happened so you might rely on God.
Why rely? The real question is why not.