Are you giving credit where credit is due? We know how important it is to ensure that proper credit is given to those who contribute to the success of a project. If someone is not acknowledged, or worse, if credit is given to someone else for another person’s work, it can be very damaging to morale. You may even lose a valuable team member.
But how often do we redirect credit for our blessings and miracles to others, ourselves or even to chance instead of to God.
Someone recently shared a story of a pretty significant breakthrough one Study participant experienced in his work. The man was struggling with an issue for some time. During the study, he shared his issue with the group. They prayed for him. He applied the biblical leadership principles he learned to go deeper in his relationship with Christ in his work. Finally, he found a solution along with peace and a great deal of joy that overflowed into his personal life.
Wonderful, right? Here’s the problem. The person who shared this story added a disclaimer and said, “He certainly can’t say that it would not have happened if he hadn’t been in the study …”
Soapbox please …
Man, is it easy for us to fall into the trap of “well … it probably would have happened anyway.” And a dangerous trap that is. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not giving credit to the study. What I do know is that God is doing powerful things in people’s work and lives through this study of His Word.
There is no doubt in my mind that God was at work in this man’s situation. Nor is there any doubt that the enemy is doing his level best to plant doubt in our minds.
After all, if the person experiencing a miracle is a bit wishy washy about giving full credit to God, then other people will be less inclined to acknowledge God in the situation. And if they don’t acknowledge God’s hand in this victory, but instead believe it was a result of the man’s own efforts, then why should they think that God is going to do anything for them. And if they doubt that God might bring a miracle into their lives, then they will just keep working under their own strength or possibly give up completely. If they give everything they have to producing the results they want, they’ll most likely wind up exhausted. If they never see results, they may end up very disappointed and discouraged.
There is a simple solution:
- When in doubt, trust God.
- When blessings seem to come out of nowhere, praise God.
- When times are tough, lean on God.
- When times are good, thank God.
- When you experience miracles, big or small, give all the glory to God!
Proverbs 3:5-6 says Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. [AMP]
That’s what Nehemiah did and he got the Wall of Jerusalem built in just 52 days!
