Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. Psalm 54:4
“They used to say of a bishop of Oxyrrynchus, named Abba Apphy, that when he was a monk he submitted himself to a very severe way of life. When he became a bishop he wished to practise the same austerity, even in the world, but he had not the strength to do so. Therefore he prostrated himself before God saying, ‘Has your grace left me because of my episcopate?’ Then he was given this revelation, ‘No, but when you were in solitude and there was no one else it was God who was your helper. Now that you are in the world, it is man.'”
Abba Apphy, a desert father in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, translated by Benedicta Ward (Kalamazoo: Cistercian, 1975) 35-36.
Who is your helper? Who or what do you rely on to sustain and empower you for the duties and responsibilities of life?
As I interface with Christian workers around the world, it’s fascinating to see that those in places that are rich with material resources tend to rely on material resources.
Hear me. I don’t think they make a conscious decision that money is the power of ministry. It is more of a subtle shift in trust because having money does make us feel secure and in power.
In places where there are little or no resources, I see far more time spent praying and fasting and most of time it is in groups and takes place frequently.
All around the world, I see the tendency to rely on one’s own capacities when chosen for a role. So, What is the lesson and how does it relate to generosity?
Our only good service is set aside our desires in fasting and prayer, to depend on God and use whatever He supplies by putting it to work.
This keeps us in a posture of perpetual dependence. And it ensures that what happens in and through us is all in accordance with His good pleasure and purposes.
Surely the Lord is our helper; the Lord is the sustainers of our souls.