Self-Sufficient to God-Reliant

 

A few weeks ago, my husband accidentally slipped off a ladder and broke his ankle. For my husband, who has always had a tough, "I can do anything I set my mind to" mentality, the most challenging part has not been dealing with the pain.  Instead, it has been the humbling realization that he now has to rely on others for help with even the simplest tasks.

Just the other day, on his way home, he stopped to pick up his favorite ice cream. He said, It was both humbling and somewhat humiliating when he realized he couldn’t get back to his truck. Thankfully, the cashier offered to help him carry his things back to his vehicle while he maneuvered with his crutches. For someone who has always been very self-sufficient, asking for assistance has required him to exercise a great deal of humility.

His experience reminded me of a familiar figure from the Old Testament: Jacob. Jacob had a long history of being driven and self-sufficient. He pursued everything he set his mind to, even when it required cheating and lying. However, Jacob underwent a significant transformation when he truly needed the Lord's help. He was on his way home to confront his brother, whom he had deceived many years before. Jacob felt deeply distressed. He spent the night wrestling with a heavenly being. The Bible records …

When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled. (Ge. 32:25)

I'm convinced that Jacob was still the same persistent go-getter, always determined to get his way. He was probably trying to convince God to support his plans of appeasing his brother. The only way the heavenly man could get Jacob's attention and make him submit was by touching the socket of his hip, which resulted in Jacob limping.  Jacob had no choice but to submit and let go of his dependence on himself.

Sometimes the trials and challenges we face are not meant to hinder us; they are divinely placed in our lives to teach us to humbly submit to God’s guidance and plan, rather than relying solely on ourselves. Through these experiences, we learn to trust in the Lord to provide for us and help us.