Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Jim Elliot
Trust in God, Not in Self
Jeremiah wrote, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength” (Jer. 17:5). We can trust God to make things happen for us by praying for His will, seeking His will through good biblical counseling, and regularly studying the Bible. The key point here is to “trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5) because “those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe” (Prov. 28:26).
Seek God’s Wisdom
I think it’s always a good idea to ask God for His wisdom when making decisions, which is what James meant when he wrote “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). King Solomon asked for wisdom, and God gave him great wisdom but so much more, as 2 Chronicles 1:11 says, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king.” “Therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you … such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have” (2 Chron. 1:12).
Let Go and Let God
There comes a time to let go and let God. What this means is sort of what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:7, to cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” That sounds easy enough, but is it really? No. I find it hard to let go of things that I am anxious about, but that is exactly the time to let go because we should “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6). There is wisdom in knowing when to let go and then praying to God about it. That release allows us to “not be anxious about anything.”
Conclusion
Jim Elliot was exactly right when he said “God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him” because this means that we’ve not trusted in ourselves but in God; we’ve sought God’s wisdom, not ours; and we’ve learned to let go and let God do as He pleases, which always brings about the best possible result.
