Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20

I’ll be the first to admit when I don’t know what I don’t know.

I’ve always figured that things will be finished more quickly if I slow down to do research and seek answers first than if I muddle along for a while and act like I already know what I’m doing when I really don’t.

Throughout my life, this tendency to research, analyze, and plan has generally been seen as a good trait, one appreciated by colleagues and employers as well as friends and family.

However, as I mature spiritually, I see how this tendency often falls into the realm of “too much of a good thing”.

You see, over the past couple of years, I’ve caught myself researching and making outlines and creating mountains of options when all I really need to do is stay still and listen to what God has to say.

Sweet friends, I’m sad to say that I have a tendency to seek answers out of my own intellect or man’s library before I realize that I really just need to turn it over to God and ask for help.

Many times I have fallen for the classic and very flawed Americanism that “God helps those who help themselves”.

Honestly, how completely unscriptural is that!?

You know who God helps most?

PEOPLE. WHO. ASK. FOR. HELP.

Dear heart, it’s really that simple. God says to us, come all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. He says to us, ask for wisdom and you shall receive it (Matthew 11:28, James 1:5).

Furthermore, He tells us that if we ask, we shall receive, if we seek we shall find (Matthew 7:7).

The psalmist knew this well for he wrote: Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord. (Psalm 121:1-2).

Beloved, I’m a slow learner in this area of spiritual growth. My natural urge to research, analyze, and plan has proven more entrenched than I care to admit most days, but I am learning day-by-day to stop striving and start seeking help where the best help, the most perfect and complete help is found: God’s wisdom, God’s ways, and God’s will.

I am leaning with greater and greater confidence into the fact that He can accomplish infinitely more than I can even think to ask let alone come up with myself.

All glory to God who is patient to teach even the most independent of us the joys of depending on Him first and foremost!