Many people think the following is found in the Bible:
"God helps those who help themselves."
It is not.
That saying is attributed to Ben Franklin.
Even I, at one time believed that saying was in the Bible.
Very misleading.
That statement says that I need to do everything "in my power" before approaching God for help. How tiring is that? But, people do that! Yes they do. This statement is so far from truth. I am so glad that I do not believe that way anymore.
Also, that statement implies that we can work out our own salvation. Which we cannot. We are infected by sin. Nothing we can do on our own can help us here. Thankfully, God is the helper of the helpless. Jesus died for us and paid the penalty that we were not able to pay.
I also could not possibly get my life in order FIRST, as messed up as it has been, and then have the presence of mind to go before God and ask for help. This is a lie from Satan.
God's promise is that He helps those who know they cannot help themselves. That is me! That is you! And I need Him desperately daily, this very minute, this very hour, now!
How about you?
God gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5
You have just given the Word and power (the same power God used in raising Christ) when you dispel this myth!
ReplyDeleteGod first, God first....not by my power or by my strength but by my Spirit says the Lord!
Amen!!!
Chel
OMG! I cannot believe this! I thought that was something that God had said too. Then you feel bad when you are not doing more with yourself. Not to say that you should not be anyhow, but WOW! I am so glad that you pointed this out! So comforting, especially for today! Thanks! Hope that you are well! :o)
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. I can't believe how many people really believe this is in the Bible, including many in my own family.
ReplyDeleteIt's when we come to the end of ourselves, that God can do His mighty work in us. Our problem is that we all too often get in His way with our flesh.
So glad you posted this!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
You are right. That's why we need to read the Bible for ourselves. There lot's of seemingly good sayings that people attribute to the Bible but are incorrect. Yes, yes I need God.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Everything is grace! We just have to respond to it. Yes, I need God every single minute of every day :) We all do.
ReplyDeleteI love that we have the Bible to consult when we are faced with doubts. His Word is the truth! Thank you for this JBR! God bless you and remain strong in His mighty power!
ReplyDeleteYes..even in our religion its believed that its written in QURAN.....
ReplyDeletejoliieessss:)
AMEN....GOD helps the helpless...those who have NO where else to go!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
andrea
I've heard that saying a lot... I knew it wasn't in the bible but I do believe that in some circumstances God helps us after we make the first step.... even if the first step is crying out and admitting that we can't do it alone... or that we need help... I see your point and I like this perspective too... I thought back to when I was being abused... and I didn't know to make any steps.... but God was helping me and giving me strength and sustaining my life when I didn't realize it... bless you:0
ReplyDeleteThat's what I love about God. He fights for the underdogs!
ReplyDeleteAmen! Knowing...then asking...and then receiving....
ReplyDeleteWhenever I hear someone say that phrase, I say, "God helps those who ADMIT THEY CANNOT help themselves"...
ReplyDeleteIt was such a relief the day, long ago, I realized that phrase is so far from the truth.
"It is finished" is actually translated from "Paid in full". Jesus paid it all.
We would be in dire straights if God only helped those who help themselves. I am grateful for His beautiful grace, the unmerited favor, that grace that doesn't say you do this and then I will do that.
ReplyDelete~willa~
You know, I never thought about it that way, but you're right. That statement has it all backwards. I had to admit I was powerless, then turn my will and my life over to the care of God. But I am reminded of something an old Al-Anon friend once told me: If you ask God to dig a whole, you better bring your shovel. lol Hugs.
ReplyDeleteKeystone, I have removed your comment because of your verbal abuse and ask that you do not comment here again. Thank you .
ReplyDeleteThis is just excellent JBR! It is amazing how many people do think this is God's word. Good for you... it eliminates being confused about how we come to Him, which is 'right where we are'. That's the beauty of His accepting grace.
ReplyDeleteLove you.
Sonja
JBR great post. I've heard that misrepresentation of the Ben Franklin quote. Even the well rounded Christian can get tripped up by it. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteAmen, I forever need Him.
ReplyDeleteAmen, I forever need Him.
ReplyDeleteMan. This is so true. If we had to clean ourselves up for God, then we wouldn't need Him! He is there for us no matter what!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is brilliant. I love this post. It is so true.
ReplyDeleteI used to think that way too. So I struggle to handle my issues on my own, and I feel useless if I had to go to HIM for help. I did not know I was suppose to go to HIM for everything. Now I do! Blessings.
ReplyDelete