Possibly it was the governor's tone which made us prickle.
After careful examination of his statement, though, I'd like to shake his hand and say that he's right on.
The truth is that we are all weak-- only few of us are willing to admit it. We all carry a crutch, but most of us fake it. We are incredibly vulnerable human beings whom are subject to many dangers and disasters-- physical as well as spiritual. The question is, where do you first turn when this realization strikes?
I asked myself this question seven years ago after witnessing a horrid attack. A large, red bull had escaped his fence, and my husband's uncle came over to rally him back inside. As I stood at the balcony doorway, merely 25 feet from it all, I saw this small man's failed attempts to turn the bull around, then his fleeting run as he realized he was about to be attacked. After he was knocked to the ground, I heard the crack of a bone as the bull pressed his head against the man's chest. I thought I was witnessing a murder.
Praise God this dear gentleman survived the attack, but in retrospect I was disappointed at my first response: to yell from the door and stomp my foot. Like that did anything to scare such a beast! About 10 seconds later I dialed 911- this was a much more fruitful use of my breath. I was disappointed, however, that I did not consider prayer until I was well into my conversation with responders.
It would be misleading to examine any adrenaline-pounding moment too analytically, but I think it was fair for me to move forward being more conscious of whom I depend upon. How often do I move through life thinking I'm in control? The truth is that no matter how well we can fool ourselves, we are not in control-- no matter how much we stomp our feet and yell. And the sooner we realize that, the better off we will be.
After coming to terms with the smallness of ourselves, combined with some knowledge of Biblical Truth, we naturally begin to realize the greatness of our Creator. And I've got to say, depending upon our omnipotent God is a much better way to live than assuming I have it all figured out.
This road definitely has its costs. In the process of placing our trust in Jesus, it's possible that we may lose all that we think is important, but are promised to gain that which is really important.
Dependence upon God means total trust. This is difficult when circumstances seem to crumble. Yet I have to keep in mind that the state of my small circumstances does not negate the authority of my great God. He is on the throne whether or not my prayers are answered the way I think they should be answered. After all, if I could order God around, He would not really be sovereign, would He?
Dependence upon God also means total obedience. How could I say that I'm dependent upon Him and not follow what He says? These two are directly connected.
Our obedience and trust upon Him certainly does reap its rewards: contentment and peace are great trade-offs for the worry and fear we might otherwise succumb to. But scripture also refers to health and other benefits (Proverbs 3). So don't hesitate to boast of your weakness from the rooftops. Then boast of His greatness, for He won't disappoint.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But (my Lord) said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. Apostle Paul NIV