It was God, or was it?

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I’ve wondered why  people walking in Gods plan often respond to a compliment by saying, “it was God”. Was it only God? Scripture states that he does nothing without man. “Then the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭18‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/gen.18.17.NIV 

He gave the earth to us, so he uses us   We have to participate  

For example, a young man was telling me part of his life’s story. And I told him how much his smile brightened my day.  His respond was “it’s God”,  The reason for the smile is God, I agree. The journey that brought that smile was his. However, I often perceive people don’t accept their part in Gods gift because they were taught that was to be prideful. Is saying “it’s God” a sign of humility? Let’s talk about that.

What if the young man had  chosen to do drugs and destroy his mind? He wouldn’t have the heart, or joy or the shine that God gave him. 

Are we so irrelevant that the timing, choices and the placement of our lives mean nothing ? Doesn’t our choice to participate matter?

I believe people deny their participation in order to keep from pride taking over. But isn’t that a type of false pride? I mean, if I accept my gift as a musician, but never practice, can I give God my best, no.  I have to participate. If all I can do with that gift is pick out a note or two, did I participate in fulfilling His plan for my life?

Ideology of insignificance keeps us from embracing the gift. Honing that gift and preparing ourselves for the purpose God gave us in the first place is worthy of compliment.

If I accept and participate in what God gave me and embrace it, I build up passion and purpose.  It’s ok to accept acknowledgement for your part as well as giving thanks to God for His part. 

So, if someone says, “thank you for being a blessing to me”.  what’s wrong with saying “thank you”. God provides the gift, He leads us and encourages us, but we are called to participate.  Accepting human praise is not pride if we understand that praise is a way God encourages us? We must not dismiss the passion and participation we contribute to fulfill His purpose on this earth. Take joy in that participation, let the work we do ground us, drive our passion and fulfill God’s purpose. Yes it’s God, but it’s also you. 

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