It's Not Because of You

When things go well, we like to take credit. And it's easy to turn it into a spiritual victory.

We probably wouldn't say these things aloud, but how easily do we think them:

"I've been giving generously, so God has blessed me with a raise."

"I've disciplined my children, so they turned out well."

"I've been faithfully witnessing, so this person got saved."

"I've been praying for a long time about this, and God answered my prayers."

We act and talk and pray as if our good deeds deserve the attention and reward of God.

We think it's all about us.

Preparing the people of Israel to go into the Promised Land, Moses warned them:

"Do not say in your heart, after the LORD your God has thrust them out before you'It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to possess this land," whereas it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is driving them out before you...and that He may confirm the word that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob" (Deuteronomy 9:4-5).

It wasn't their great military strength.

It wasn't their stalwart spirituality.

It wasn't because they deserved a break today.

God would drive out the inhabitants for two reasons: to punish sin and to keep His promise.

It had nothing to do with the Israelites and everything to do with God.

And so the people would remember, Moses recited the numerous times of rebellion in the years in the wilderness.

Likewise when good things happen to you, it has nothing to do with you.

It's not because you were faithful to God, your spouse or your church.

It's not because you prayed long, gave more, or witnessed often.

It's because God has a plan.

It's because God keeps His word.

It's because of God's grace.

It's because of God's mercy.

You just happen to be a part of His plan, a recipient of His promises evidenced through His grace and mercy in your life.