I’m sure every parent has heard the words, “No, Mommy, No, Daddy; Let me do it.” Those words usually signal the maturing of the child. No, not that he or she has reached maturity, but that the process is becoming more recognizable. Maturity! Isn’t that what every parent desires to be the end result of his parenting? The goal is to bring the child from a state of being totally dependent on the parents for everything to being a thinking, rational, capable, independent individual in their own right. 

 However, this is not the goal of God’s parenting. God never intended for his children to become independent of Him. In fact, John 15:5b states, “for without me ye can do nothing”. I am fascinated with the life of Asa, king of Judah. His story can be found in 2 Chronicles 14-16. He started his reign seeking the Lord, and experienced rest and prosperity.  “…because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side,” 2 Chronicles 14:7b. Hebrew writing uses repetition as we would use exclamation marks today. In other words, the key to Asa’s success was that he prayed!!!  But later in life, Asa, as do we sometimes to our own detriment, said to God, “No, Father, I’ll handle this, let me do it.”  

The prophet came to Asa and told him one of the most remarkable things that I’ve found in the Bible. He called him foolish for not relying on God as he had done in the past. Then he said, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect (fully committed) toward him,” 2 Chronicles 16:9. God is able and willing to work on our behalf, but many times we lose out because we don’t pray and seek him. 

 What is coming against you today? What are you facing? What decisions do you have to make? Be a good child of God. God’s children never outgrow total dependence on Him. Run to him in prayer. Seek him earnestly and continually. God’s strength is available to you today. Take the time to pray!

Linda Poole is the administrator of High Street Christian Academy in Philadelphia, Pa.  She has served there, first as teacher, then administrator, since 1980.  Linda's greatest joy was preaching at an outdoor service and leading her father to Christ just a year before his death.  She enjoys the piano,  reading, and studying, and  is currently working on a degree in Christian Counseling from Philadelphia Biblical University.

 For Last Month's Devotion see Reflections