If pride says, “I don’t need God,” then we must replace that thought!

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭10-11, 13-14‬ ESV)

Recently, I heard Johnny Hunt say, “Mercy is not getting what you do deserve, and grace is getting what you do not deserve.” God extends both to us, but we must receive them with humility and thanksgiving. When you realize your need for God to intercede on your behalf, you can’t help but be thankful for His tender mercy and grace.

But he said to me (Paul), “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9-10‬ ESV)

Pride causes us to overcompensate by masquerading around like we are not weak. Thus, causing us to carry our burdens alone. This isn’t strength! True strength is when we humble ourselves on our knees and ask Jesus to carry our burdens for us. We are strong in Him when we are weak in us. We need Him to provide what we truly need.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭19-20‬ ESV)

Once again, today, we should replace the lies with a heart of thanksgiving, and give all glory to the Father. We should be grateful that we never have to do this on our own. The enemy has tried to convince us that it is a sign of weakness to surrender and accept that we need a Savior.

Let’s be strong today by accepting our weakness, and speaking truth.  We need God!

Challenge: Read these verses out loud as an offering of thanks, and allow them to change your mind for the better:

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭18‬ ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ESV)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20-21‬ ESV)