“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13, NIV).

They had lost their daughter in a tornado. I was at the bedside with the mother. Their young son now has a rapidly progressive illness that will likely take his life. She smiled and spoke, “I’ve heard you’re the best, and you’re a Christian.” “I’m certainly a Christian, and I am very experienced with your son’s illness, but I am not the best. God is the best, and I work for Him. I know what I am doing. We will do the right things to try to save your son and pray to the God of all healing as we do.”

We’ve got to link the two: the only God with the skills He has given us. God does not depend on our excellent care, but He expects it. He works through us and the skills He has so graciously provided, for the good of those we serve and for His glory.

This is the truth of our lives and practices. We must believe it; we must live it; we must voice it as our witness for Him.

Any credit that comes to our name is wasted and dangerous unless it is reflected to Him. Respect is important and feels good, but respect without humility is dishonest and will lead us away from the person God wants us to be. Cherishing personal respect without giving God the credit will dilute our ability to trust His power and reduce our ability to accomplish His purpose for those we serve.

But there’s a companion truth, if we give God the credit and then work with less than excellence, we present a God of lesser excellence to those who have come to us for their care. In addition, we risk hurting someone whom God loves.

We’ve got to link the two: the only God with the skills He has given us.

Sounds like I’m preaching. I am—to me, because I need to be reminded, often.

Dear Father,

Bless this young man with your healing. Show yourself through me as I work out the skills you have worked into me.

Amen