One of the first lessons we should learn as Christians is that we cannot rely on ourselves, our abilities, our "numbers" or any other human consideration as a primary source for meeting challenges.

According to the apostle Paul, God wants to teach us this lesson even by our calling: "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

God sent a plague to punish King David after he numbered his army, even though he had subdued Israel's opponents.

The prophet Zechariah said it this way: "Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6).

If we achieve something or are successful in meeting challenges or solving problems, whom do we give the credit?

Whatever way we had for dealing with problems in the past — prior to our calling — won’t work anymore.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that we should not use our talents and abilities that God has given us. It just means that we have to look to God first instead of relying on human strength, ability or numbers. Don’t forget how God limited Gideon’s army to just 300 men to teach him a lesson: When God is on your side, numbers don’t matter.

The prophet Zechariah continues the train of thought: "Who are you, O great mountain? Before [my servant] Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!" (Zechariah 4:7).

In other words, God can make a mole out of a mountain! With His help and power, we will prevail.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!