Self-made

Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

Deuteronomy 8:18

HAVE YOU EVER heard a celebrity, relative, or friend proclaim, “I’m a self-made man”? Or “woman”? Even if some people don’t actually utter the words out loud, they think it in their hearts. I worked for this. I earned it. I deserve every reward, accolade, and paycheck I have! No one did it for me, so I’m going to take credit. Why shouldn’t I?

This Scripture puts the nix on that whole line of thinking. It’s God who gives any and all of us the “power to be successful.” Think about it. Where did your brain and body come from? How did you gain the talents and abilities you have? Do you have more determination, more gumption, better ideas, and a stronger plan than others? Where do you think they came from?

Many of us like to think we developed such things ourselves. But the truth is, they’re all from God, everything from a singer-songwriter’s talent for penning compelling lyrics, to the woman who has an eye for decorating her home to make it a cozy, inviting place for friends and family. It’s all from God. Why not stop right now and give thanks for the gifts God has showered on you?