The First Stage of Change: Seeing Our Weaknesses and Recognizing Problems. Browse the following article to move towards your emotional and spiritual balance.
“If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.' Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.” Romans 11:17-20
Recognizing that we are not self-sufficient is one of the first steps toward spiritual transformation. Just as the branches of the olive tree depend on the root for survival, we too need to accept that it is God who sustains us and gives us the strength to face each day. Arrogance and pride only distance us from this fundamental truth, while humility brings us closer to a more fulfilling life, connected to the divine purpose.
Acknowledging that we need help is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. At some point, all of us have been grafted into God's plan, and recognizing that we depend on Him allows us to receive the nourishing spiritual sap that feeds our souls. It is in this moment of acceptance that we begin to walk the right path.
“This is what the Lord says: 'Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24
From the moment we come into the world, we rely on others to survive: a mother or father to care for us, feed us, and guide us. Throughout life, this dependence does not disappear but changes in form. In our spiritual walk, we need God as a source of guidance, wisdom, and strength.
The key to finding relief in the midst of our difficulties is understanding and recognizing God's presence in our lives. We make a mistake if we rely solely on our own strength or human wisdom. It is God who sustains us and provides the understanding we need to face our circumstances with wisdom and patience.
“Hear and pay attention, do not be arrogant, for the Lord has spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings the darkness, before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. You hope for light, but he will turn it to utter darkness and change it to deep gloom. If you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the Lord’s flock will be taken captive.” Jeremiah 13:15-17
Life is full of challenges and situations that test our faith. Often, we find ourselves in circumstances we don't know how to handle. However, the Word teaches us that pride and self-sufficiency can cause us to stumble. When we try to face our problems without God's help, we are more likely to end up in darkness.
The path to true healing begins when we recognize our limitations and turn to God for guidance. In doing so, we leave behind arrogance and open ourselves to receive His light in the darkest moments.
“On this mountain, he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. In that day they will say, 'Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us.'” Isaiah 25:7-9
God is a healer and deliverer. He promises that if we turn to Him in our struggles, He will wipe away our tears and give us comfort. This promise serves as a reminder that, although our battles may be difficult, we are not alone. God's presence is the answer to every wound, every fear, and every challenge we face.
Whenever we find ourselves in a difficult situation, we can trust that God is working for our good. He calls us to trust in Him, seek His help, and rest in His promise of healing. The Lord is always ready to rescue us, but we must first recognize that we need His help.
Healing our wounds and finding peace amid the storm is possible when we stop relying on our own strength and turn to the Lord. Through prayer, the Bible verses that strengthen us, and sincere surrender, we can overcome any adversity. The key is to ask for help at the right time, open our hearts to divine wisdom, and fully trust in the plan that God has for us.
There is no problem too big for God to solve, nor a wound so deep that He cannot heal. The first step will always be to recognize our need and turn to the One who has the power to transform our lives.