OH THE JOY OF REALISING “I CAN DO NOTHING…”

Dear Christian brothers and sisters, as we walk in this world, there will be many times where we may be left utterly powerless and helpless. Such a situation is very much plausible, and can be discouraging and disheartening. If we are not spiritually diligent and alert, it can lead us to wail in despair. If left unchecked, it can push us into gloom and hopelessness.

The key to such a situation is not found in ourselves, our strength, and our ability to solve our problems and gain victory over them. To think and solve problems that we encounter is not the issue at heart here. The flaw is in our sole dependence of our own strength and our own ability, unconnected with God. It simply means, “I can do it myself. I don’t need God.” Such a line of thinking is called sin, because it is rebellion against God. 

On 19 August, 1775 – a good 250 years ago, the Anglican clergyman and hymn writer, John Newton writes thus in a letter, which helps us to know deeper spiritual truth for our daily life, its struggles, and the solutions for the same.  
– “We are never more safe, never have more reason to expect the Lord’s help, than when we are most sensible that we can do nothing without Him.” – John Newton

The LORD Jesus speaking to the disciples and the followers, including us today, says something that we all should care to remember all the days of our lives. Especially when tempted to solve our problems “REBELLIOUSLY” on our own, WITHOUT GOD.
– “4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” – John 15:4-5

The LORD Jesus, our Redeemer turns the concepts of the world on its head. The world believes in the strength of man. For the world believes firmly, we have to do it ourselves. The reason for such a thinking is the immense faith in man’s ability, his intelligence and his capabilities to help himself.

The fall of man, and the subsequent enthroning and the reign of sin in human hearts, has so completely altered our moral and spiritual compass that, it is impossible for man to rectify the error on his own, without God Almighty, our LORD, our Creator and our Redeemer. If ever one needs to be gloomy, it should be because of this.

The LORD Jesus made it possible for us to come seek the LORD in times of need, so that we can access God grace and strength in times of our desperate needs.
– “16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

When in desperate need, God does not expect us to clearly define our problem, and explain all about it with clarity and precision. This again a trait man believes in. Nothing wrong in itself. But it is simply not possible many times. This is explained beautifully and in simple words by Arthur W. Pink, the famed English Bible expositor on 19 August 1934 when he wrote the following in a letter.
– “It is not words which God pays attention to, but heart-groans and tears!” – A. W. Pink

The LORD encouragingly confirms this in the Bible, His written Word.
– “13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” – Exodus 14:13-14
– “​1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah” – Psalm 46:1-3
– “10 Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. 11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.” – Isaiah 40:10-11

Is it not comforting to know that our God is not bothered much about our ability to express our problems with clarity, as much as He is interested in we placing our faith and trust in Him, and in His ability to help us. God truly cares for us, and is genuinely interested in helping us. We on our part are called to trust Him and obey Him. OH THE JOY OF REALISING “I CAN DO NOTHING…” and yet be calm and composed because the LORD Jesus is with us and He will take care of everything. Even so, let us depend upon God, and the LORD will help us.