Who are we boasting in?
I received a wonderful invitation a couple weeks ago, one that has spurred me on to wanting to share more of what God is doing in my heart, in order to encourage others and share His goodness, in the midst of all the other topics that I normally share about.
Kimi at Womanly Pursuits has decided to begin hosting Hebrews 3:13 Thursdays, to remind us that we are to:
"… encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
This week, I wanted to share with you a little bit of what God, in His kindness, has been revealing and reminding me of. In the discussion of health and natural living, it is sometimes easy to focus on what we can do, how we can improve our nutrition, our cooking and the products that we use, and basically how we can bring ourselves to a place of being healthier. It’s so very easy to feel self-reliant, and more important than we really are.
I was reminded that I do nothing on my own accord. He is the source of every good thing. I did not come up with any of these ideas (about health or nutrition or anything else) myself. God sovereignly allowed me to come into contact with them, to understand and accept them and incorporate them into my life.
How many times have I gotten on my high horse, feeling proud or smug or confident in myself and my own abilities, only to feel that gentle nudge, "it’s not about you, Stephanie, it’s about Me. My glory, my work of grace in your life and the lives of those around you, my righteousness to which you can add nothing."
For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians 4:7
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14
I have nothing to boast about, except in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself freely for me. A sinner. Desperately weak and in need of Him.
My desire is to continue to discuss these worthwhile topics of natural living and homemaking, within the context of a Biblical worldview and while aspiring to glorify God in everything we do. But let us not lose sight of the fact that He is the only One in whom we should put our trust. He alone is our Provider. He is the Healer, the Great Physician. And He is the only thing worth boasting in.
"For you are great and do marvelous deeds;; you alone are God" ; Psalm 86:10
Good reminder, Stephanie! I really enjoy your blog.
Good post Stephanie! When we go about our daily life, we must always remember this. And make sure that our focus is on God first, then let that spread into our daily lives, whatever that may be at the moment.
Thank you for turning our attention heavenward, towards our great God and Saviour, as you endeavour to teach us to care for these gifts He’s given us.
I so relate to this post, Stephanie. I have realized that I can have the tendency to become to focused on what I am doing for myself instead of trusting in His providence. He brought me to this realization when all of the health diets weren’t working for me. It made me realize I needed to be responsible for my actions, but have peace with the results with a trust in Him. Thank you for sharing . 🙂 ( And thanks for being a part of my carnival! I was so encouraged by your post:-) ).
The overwhelming sovreignty of God is so amazing I can’t quite get over it… yet still need to be reminded of it. Thanks for Psalm 86:10. I was looking for a verse that I didn’t know, but would be simple enough to teach my 2-year-old. It’s perfect!