Did you know that we are created in Christ to do good deeds that glorify God? (Eph 2:10)

God grants each of us a gift, some talent or ability to bless others, edify the church, and glorify the Lord. A life glorifying God through it’s gifts depends on His strength for the task at hand. We exalt God when we joyfully depend on His help when we serve, write, sing, encourage, or whatever your gift may be.

I want to live a life of praise and worship, yet often fall short. For example, God has called me to speak and teach His Word. While I love my ministry, and calling, sometimes I complain about the travel, or the time it takes away from my family, or having to eat unhealthy airport food, again. This attitude is not one of worship or gratitude. Usually, it’s a sign I’m operating in my own ability instead of the super-ability of God’s power in me.

Do you find yourself complaining about your gift, your job, or the mess the kids made? Are you weary from trying to “do all and be all” to everything and everyone? This is not God’s design.

The bible tells us that “every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father” (James 1:17). This means our jobs, homes, and talents are all gifts from God in which He calls “good” and “perfect.” We don’t always see our gifts as such because we attempt to use them in our own strength. God never gives us a task that He doesn’t provide the strength to do.

Having an “I’ve got this” attitude by relying on my own skill, intellect, and performance shines the light on me instead of God. Eventually, the thing I love to do becomes a job rather than a joy.

On the outside people may see my talent and the fruit of God’s blessings, but God sees my heart attitude.

From Heaven’s perspective, God sees:

• Me depending on my own resources than His.
• No Spirit of joy, humility, and gratitude.
• No glory for Himself.

Each time God provides an opportunity to do a “good deed” for His glory it should fill us with humility, awe, joy, and gratitude. Not because we have to but because we get to participate in making Him known to others.

This approach calls for His help, wisdom, and strength.

This mindset lives to brag on God for the fruits that blossom from our labor.

This view prevents criticizing and comparing ourselves to others

This attitude pacifies grumbling and promotes gratitude.

A life that glorifies God is a life totally dependent on God. It owns the fact that without Him, I can do nothing.

I exist by God for God.

I need His super ability to do anything of significance.

When I depend on God’s strength, it invites a spirit of joy, excitement, and humility in and through our lives where we ride on the grace of God’s wings. Then, our lives will point to His magnificence, beauty and all surpassing greatness. It is for His glory He created us to do good deeds in Christ Jesus.

To live a life that glorifies God, we must be honest with ourselves and God. Say to Him:

“Lord, I desire to glorify you today, but I’ve got nothing—no strength, desire, ability or resource but You. Help me by the power of your Spirit to love You, honor You, and glorify You so my life may point others toward you.”

Sometimes God resolves our problems and sometimes He strengthens us to endure them.

After my husband died, I feared for the unknown future of my son’s and mine. My mind was filled with a thousand unanswered questions such as

“What will happen to us? How would I provide?”

My husband and I decided when the baby was born I would stay at home. Now, I needed a new plan. In the meantime, I didn’t have any money to pay for the hospital or funeral bills. I couldn’t even pay rent. My future was uncertain. I felt helpless and alone so I cried out to God for answers. Little did I know; He was already at work.

Barely two weeks before my husband’s death, he took out a Life Insurance policy on himself. I was aware of this, but the agent told us it would take a several weeks for processing before the policy would be validated. Since only two weeks had past, I naturally assumed the policy was null and void.

One day, I received an unexpected call from the Insurance Company. Though the policy had not yet been fully processed, they were going to honor it. I could hardly believe my ears! I knew only God could have done this.

My anxious thoughts melted like butter on a hot summer day. For the time being, my financial struggles were resolved. It was a huge burden off of my shoulders.

Here’s the thing. God goes before us. He’s ready to meet our need before the need arises. The way God cares for our sufferings can differ.

For example, while God chose to resolve my financial needs, He didn’t choose to save my spouse. However, He gave me comfort and strength to endure until my heart could heal. Nonetheless, God never leaves us helpless. He is our ever-present help!

The Lord may choose to remove your problem today or He may give you the strength and the courage to deal with it. Either way, God is answering your prayer. And if He chooses to leave you in an unpleasant or very challenging situation, it’s always for your good. God often uses trials to grow you spiritually, to reveal something new about Himself, or to make you strong and steady like a tree in a wind-storm.

We see these truths illustrated in the lives of Christ’s disciples. Sometimes God rescues them from the storm and sometimes He sees them through to the other side. Either way, the disciples learned how to pray. I call it The Believer’s Prayer.

In Acts: 4:24-30, which I encourage you to read, we see how the disciples called on God in prayer during persecution.

1. First, they praised God. This is important not only because God is worthy to be praised but it helps our perspective of things. When we recognized the power, mercy, and goodness of God, we’re reminded that nothing is impossible for Him. And our problems seem to grow small in comparison.
2. Next, they told God their specific problem. Often our prayers are too vague. Be precise about your need. Name it.
3. Finally, they didn’t ask God to remove their problem (that’s God’s choice) but to strengthen them in the midst of it. How often do we pray for strength until our hardships are resolved?

This is a good model prayer for us in times of adversity.

Whatever challenge you face today talk to God about it. Praise Him that He is bigger than any troublesome situation that can arise. Tell God about your greatest need, and then, ask for strength to deal with it.

If God sent you here to read this post, I know it’s not by accident. Because of this truth, my friend, I’m praying for you today. May the Lord’s abiding Presence be with you and may He uphold you with His righteous right hand.