By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Our 2-year-old daughter is going through the “I will do it myself" phase. She wants to dress herself. Eat on her own. Walk down the stairs on her own and even cross the road by herself. Do I let her? Of course not; if it would endanger her. Still, to prevent a lot of tears on the one hand and to create a learning opportunity on the other hand, I have learned to sometimes stand back and allow her to first “do it on her own” – knowing that she would most probably ask for my help.

As adults, we also at times go through this “I will do it myself” phase. Even though wemight not declare it with our words, we say it with our actions by choosing not to make God a part of our plans. For instance, we think we can sort out the crisis in our marriage, workplace or with a child – seeing that we have done it in the past. Or we think we can get out of our financial difficulty on our own – seeing that we have a number of friends with knowledge that can help us. Or we think we can decide on our own whether the person with whom we are in a relationship is going to be our spouse or not.

Although God can easily and quickly help us and lead us with wisdom, He too at times stands back, if we choose to follow the “I will do it myself” route. In James 4: 2b we read “. . . ye have not, because ye ask not.”

In order to save us a lot of frustration and pain, I would advise that we get into the habit of laying down our pride and deliberately consult God when making plans. In Proverbs 3: 5-6, we read: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” In Matthew 7: 7, we read: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” And in Jeremiah 33: 3 God says," Call to me and I will answer you. . . "

Do you seek God’s kingdom first in your workplace and decisions about your family, or do you like my 2-year-old still say with your actions: “I will do it on my own.” God bless. 

Father God, thank you for the promise in Your Word that You will guide me with wisdom. I ask You to please lead me every day by your Holy Spirit. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen