Central to faith and my walk with Christ is the question of “is God enough?” Is He enough to satisfy my needs, enough to accomplish His promise, enough for my soul? Do I trust Him or do I sense the need to “help” Him, especially in areas of my desires?
The Bible tells us of those who struggled with the same thing, those who tried to add to God. Aaron formed a golden calf to worship at the base of Mount Sinai even while Moses met with Almighty God. Rachel took the household idols with her, even as she professed faith in Jacob’s God. Solomon, the wisest man, built shrines for his wives’ pagan gods. I resonate with Sarah, who decided she had waited long enough, and took matters into her own hands.
We may not have pagan idols that sit alongside our morning devotional, but we can be tempted, as Sarah was, to try and help God along. Maybe we’re putting trust in finances – setting aside more than needed - you know, just in case. Or the desire to be married leads us to someone who doesn’t “yet” share our faith. We become confident that, with our help, they can change. A financial windfall from ethically questionable means could be donated to help so many. “Lord, I’ll just help you out and provide for these worthy causes…” Money, relationships, status – all can be idols set alongside God to help accomplish our desires.
Anything, including ourselves, that we trust in addition to God taints His work. God still accomplishes His will, but there are consequences from the lack of faith. Think of side stories that didn’t need to be; the descendants of Ishmael who are at odds with the Israelites even today, the compromise that creeps in to the churches, the tarnishing of the mission and message of God. Did God accomplish the mission - or do we take a slice of the glory for arranging help?
I want to be on the watch for where I try to add to God to get what I want – to help Him along when I want it. It’s a lack of faith. God is big enough that He doesn’t need anything – or anyone – beside Him to accomplish His promise and will. In fact, He asserts that He alone is God and will have no rival. I want to join Him where He’s at – not to help because He is lacking, but to be a part of His great work. God is enough. We mess up His story, His witness, when we add on out of lack of faith. He alone deserves all the glory.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Psalm 62:5-8
