God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

15 / Sun – Read 1 Kings 17:9-16 / 1 Samuel 28:5-19

Overview: Is everything determined by our own efforts? Nope, and that’s a good thing because “all have sinned and fallen short.” Instead, God helps the helpless and those who help others.

16 / Mon – God helps those who…  |  Read Psalm 34:6

The familiar phrase God helps those who help themselves is often used to motivate someone to get going. But it’s not from the Bible. Yes, as James 2:26 tells us, faith without works is dead, but this half-truth would be more accurate if it read: God helps those who are helpless. Have you been there? What happened? How did God help you when you could not help yourself? What did you learn from that experience?

17 / Tue – Trying to fix things on your own  |  Read Gen 16:1-12 / Gen 21:8-12 / Gen 25:17-18

Unanswered prayers can often cause someone to ‘help God out’ by taking what they believe is the best course of action. Abraham and Sarah are an example. After waiting many years for the son God promised, they chose the common practice used by other childless couples in their culture to have a child. That decision brought much heartache to many people. God sees the big picture and knows the right time to answer your prayers. Do you trust Him? Are you willing to wait for His timing? If so, where might this apply in your life today?

18 / Wed – When you grow weary in the battle  |  Read Exodus 17:8-13 / 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Moses’s responsibility was to go to the top of the hill and hold up God’s staff in his hands, while Joshua’s job was to fight the enemy. What happened in the battle when Moses grew tired? Can you relate to the tiredness he must have felt? When you are weary, who does God send to hold you up?  It is God who provides the strength, so ask and accept the help He brings. And are you willing to be an Aaron or a Hur to help someone else stay faithful when they get tired?

19 / Thu – Is something blocking your way?  |  Read Numbers 22:21-35

How do you respond when obstacles prevent you from accomplishing your goals? Do you push through anyway? Sometimes that is the right decision, but not always. In this story, what request did the officials bring from the king of Moab in v11-12? When Balaan agreed to go with them, what obstacle was in his wa,y and what was his reaction? Are you facing an obstacle in your life? If so, ask the Lord to show you the right course of action. Then you can make the wise choice.

20 / Fri – Less regrets  |  Read Matthew 6:33

When faced with a decision, do you jump into what seems the best or most logical choice? When was it the right one? When has it been a disaster? Jesus gives the perfect criteria to use as a filter when trying to make good decisions. What would it look like if you always asked this question first: how will my choice impact God’s kingdom, and will it advance or tarnish His reputation? If you make this your highest value, the Holy Spirit will guide the way forward. In times of uncertainty, will you wait and ask for clarity? It will come.

21 / Sat – Out of your control  |  Read Psalm 46:1-7

There are times when things are out of your control, when others make decisions that rock your world. What then? These familiar words can be the foundation that keeps you standing. What is the unshakeable truth expressed in these verses? What is God saying to you about Himself that you can trust? Will you plant these words in your mind and let them filter down into your heart? If so, then you can have peace in the chaos, knowing that you are in good hands. Is there someone else you can share this truth with today?