“The most common yet most hidden temptation is our lack of faith. It expresses itself less by declared incredulity than by our actual preferences. When we begin to pray, a thousand labors or cares thought to be urgent vie for priority; once again, it is the moment of truth for the heart: what is its real love? Sometimes we turn to the Lord as a last resort, but do we really believe he is? Sometimes we enlist the Lord as an ally, but our heart remains presumptuous. In each case, our lack of faith reveals that we do not yet share in the disposition of a humble heart: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.”. Catechism of the Catholic Church 2732
“Sometimes we turn to the Lord as a last resort”. Does this sound like you? Scary that the writer of this section captured me so clearly. How often have I turned to God first when times get rough? Ashamedly, not near as often as I say, “I got this” or, worse, I don’t even think to turn to God.
“Apart from me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5
My life is probably more “Apart from Christ I can do some things.”
This isn’t how we’re supposed to live. We can’t come to God when we need things that we can’t figure out on our own. Nor, can we ever forget about Him. God must be first in all things. God must be first and top of mind in all situations and all things.
God won’t force His plans upon you. Haha. When God saw my plans He just smirked and said ‘sure Ed, try it your way first.’ God’s goal by allowing this path is simply to help us learn to trust Him first and turn to Him first and solely.
Start now and strive always to come to God first. Learn to stop looking ahead at what you can do or what you must face and start to look only to the eyes of the Father, putting your hand up, knowing His will grab hold and lead you down whatever path lies ahead.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord.” Proverbs 3:5-7