God Helps Those Who Trust in Him

Are you familiar with the quote, "God helps those who help themselves"? I've heard that over and over again for years and I've always accepted it as truth....until now. Do you know what part of the Bible that quote comes out of? Well, that was a trick question because contrary to popular belief, Benjamin Franklin said that at some point during his life. It is not found in the Scriptures. So, I feel compelled to write about it. I really get excited about learning new things about Scripture, so I'd like to share my excitement with you.

It kind of makes sense though, right? I mean, if we don't at least take a step in the right direction, then how can God help us do whatever it is that we're trying to accomplish? Well, my answer to that is this. God has made many promises to us, but what Ben Franklin said was not one of them. God promises us that He will be with us (Matthew 28:20) and also that He will give us what we need (Matthew 6:33). Note that the word is "need", not "want". But the thing is, there's something we have to do first. In Matthew 6:33 it says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need (NLT)". But, our friend Ben said that we get help if we help ourselves. Did you catch the difference here? Ben is telling us that our own efforts will gain the attention of God. That couldn't be further from the truth. The truth is that we tend to help ourselves to sinful behavior. But, what God wants from us is that we seek Him first and live our lives according to the way He has commanded us because our lives are not about us, believe it or not. They're about Him. Now, when we do what He tells us and live how He wants us to, it's never a bad or dull thing because He blesses us immensley! I hear all the time about things people don't want to give up to be a Christian. I've been there too. But when we live according to His will, our lives change for the better! God really does want the very best for us because we are his children. Wouldn't you want only the best for your child? He is the same way! Though, as loving and compassionate as He is, He is also very jealous (Exodus 34:14). He wants our full devotion and attention. He doesn't want to share our affection with the temporary pleasures of this world. We've all been hearing about how the world is to end this year. Some believe it and some don't, which is fine. But Jesus says in Matthew 24:36 that no one knows when the end of time will happen. Not even He knows! Only the Father knows when, but the thing is, it WILL happen. And when it does, all that will be left will be us and Him. Our possessions, our hobbies, our jobs, and everything else will be left behind. So, what do you think will be worth it in the end? Living how you want temporarily and losing your soul? (Matthew 16:26) Or making sacrifices to live according to the will of God? Because only one will have eternal rewards and I think you know which one that is.

So, instead of relying on the words of Benjamin Franklin, let's place our trust in the Word of God, shall we? I'm about 1000% sure that God knows and loves us more than Mr. Franklen does. So, I think I'll dare to change his quote on him. "God helps those who trust in Him." Yes, that sounds much better.