My offer to help her only infuriated my two-year-old and her sense of independence.  “NO. I do it.”

I could hear her heavy sighs and grunts of frustration as she struggled alone. Getting the object she wanted out of the container was not something she was going to be able to do on her own. Still she was certainly not about to bring it to me so I could help.

How often I am just like that two-year-old!

Knowing God is at work, but still believing that I can do it on my own. I pray for guidance and for help, but I can also pray that God changes the person or the situation in the way I want. I surrender with stipulations.

Has my stubborn heart taken Him off the throne by believing I have a better plan?

Is that belief in my singular ability an idol?

God tells me to lay my burdens down, to let my requests be known, His way is so much easier.  He “declares the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will.” Isaiah 46:10

Can I really tell the creator of the Universe, ‘NO. I do it”?

When I do not fully surrender my ability to change or fix situations, even myself, to God – it is a form of I-do-l worship.

Just as I waited for my daughter to bring me the container after she had exhausted all of her means. My Heavenly Father waits for me to remember His ability.

I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. John 15:5