“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Wikipedia says that self-sufficiency overlaps with self-sustainability, and that they’re
states of being in which a person or an organization needs little or no help from, or
interaction with, others. Self-sufficiency entails the self being enough, and a self-
sustaining entity can maintain self-sufficiency indefinitely.
As ophthalmologists we aim for, teach, and praise perfectionism in ourselves and
those we work with in our unique subspecialty. Rapidly, we can evolve into this
bubble of thinking we are totally ‘self-sufficient’ and ‘self-sustaining’ as we are
intentionally programmed and reprogrammed to be this way in our work
environment.
Over time, however, many of us realize that self-sufficiency is nothing more than a
myth that we perpetuate in our minds with ongoing pride and temporary moments of “success”. As humans we each want to believe we can autonomously live our lives in this bubble of self-sufficiency; when instead, we find ourselves to be less in control of the people, places, circumstances, or things that surround us.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast even more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
– 2 Corinthians 12:9
We ultimately learn that on our own, we are either lacking in time, energy, or other
necessary resources. While at the time, any perceived “lack of” may seem annoying, it’s in essence a true blessing and opportunity that allows our efforts to refocus and concentrate on the here and now and call out to God for direction and help. These situations cause us each to instead be in the present moment, which is really where we are meant to live as it is in these very moments where God himself patiently waits on each of us. Awareness of our own inadequacy is a true blessing, that permits us to each rely wholeheartedly on God.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. Consider it a sheer gift friends when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.”
James 1:2-3
Our own health, family, friends, and even possessions can disappear in a moment,
as can life itself. We can take these inconvenient yet important times of “lacking”, in whatever it is we perceive to be wanting or needing and acknowledge that this
situation has provided us the opportunity to be unashamedly dependent on God the creator. We should rejoice in our moments of insufficiency, knowing that the
power, strength, and wisdom of God is made perfect in our weakness. Our own pride says we can handle any and every situation, as these issues rest on our abilities. Pride also shows up just before the fall arrives, doesn’t it?
God is here in every single detail of our lives. Particularly when we allow Him to be
Lord of our lives, that is when we become God-sufficient and come to know
abundant life.
