"I can do it self, umpa!" 1 Chrociles 5-9

We sometimes need help.   But, we also see growth as "independence."  When one of my grandson's was three years old I was putting him in the car to take him for a burger at the drive-through.   Because he was young he had to be buckled in the back seat securely.   As I attempted to buckle him into his car seat he looked up at me and said, "I can do self, umpa."   In todlerize he was declaring his independence.   However, when we arrived at McDonalds, he didn't say that ... he needed my help to pay for the Happy Meal.   We are very selective in our independence and our interdependence.  In this section today, in the middle of the lists of names, we have a brief commentary on this subject in regard to the Israelite tribes of Reuben, Gad and one-half the tribe of Manasseh.   As Moses is telling us about their land acquisition he tells us the following:

1 Chronicles 5:20 They were helped against them, and the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hand; for they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him.

They were fighting off the several cities and God helped them.   It latter says "many fell slain, "because they were helped by God."   In the midst of the battle it is important to know who can help - but it is even better to reach out for help in the midst of the battle.  As believers we try so many times to conquer things ourselves.  And, like my grandson we shout out to God, "I can do self, Father."   However, that is not faith.   Hebrews tells us "without faith it is impossible to please God."   We have to be willing to humble ourselves and realize we can't do things on our own.   Conquering that sin in our lives is not as much about developing self control within us as it is expressing faith that God will provide us self-control through the Spirit within us.   We need to cry out for help.  God is the God of HELP.   Our battles are much easier when we offer prayers for help to Him.   He delights to do so.  In the midst of all these names God stops to give us a brief commentary on one group of His people who cried out for help.  God remembers that and records it for our instruction.   Are you conscious of that God is ready and willing to buckle you in?  Ask Him for help and quit acting and saying through those actions, "I can do self, umpa!"