Must I Solve Problems?

Scripture: Then Moses and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock; and he said to them, “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring you water from this rock?” Then Moses lifted the rod and struck the rock twice, and water gushed out; and the people and their cattle drank. Numbers 20:10-11

Observation: Over and over again, when the Israelites complained about their circumstances, the Lord told Moses what to do and provided for them. Moses is sick and tired of their lack of faith! Having been instructed what to do to bring forth water, Moses proceeds. However, he does so in his own way. He calls the Israelites "rebels", strikes the rock instead of speaking to it, and - worst of all - takes credit ... indicating 'we' (he and Aaron) must do this for them. It is for this act that Moses will be punished by not being allowed to enter the promised land.

Application: Every day - EVERY day - I strive to solve my own problems. I think about what I need to do, how I need to think, how I should act, what I must say. Every time I am presented with a challenge, I think about what to do. I rarely turn to God, and I certainly don't listen to his instructions instead of my own.

Moses did in fact turn to God, and usually followed his exact instructions. This time he didn't and it cost him. He probably could have gotten away with striking the rock instead of just talking to it, but taking credit was certainly the major issue.

When I solve my own challenges, I am doing the same thing. I am taking credit ... I am declaring myself to be sufficient for the task, and showing others by either word or deed that I am good and smart and strong.

I have realized more and more than I need to take my everyday life to the Lord in prayer and seek his will. Failing to do so isn't just about falling short of a relationship with God, and it isn't just about missing the mark and struggling when God may have an easier path. It is about rebellion. When I act on my own, I rebel against the Lord by removing the opportunity to have him honored, and instead seeking the honor (or even just the attention) for myself.

Not only do I not need to solve my own problems, I must not do so.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to bring to you more and more my daily life. I do not want honor or glory outside of anything I may do that brings honor to you. May there be less of me in my life. Amen.