Jesus was quite emphatic on our need for divine help. He said that without Him we can do nothing. If we fail to appreciate this, we will soon be forced to eat the humble pie. I recall what happened on one of my trips to Israel. On the day of departure, I had everything packed. Just to lighten the atmosphere, my wife casually said, “Make sure you don’t forget your glasses” and threatened to sanction me if I forgot it. I laughed it off as one of those improbable things. I wondered if she thought I was a child to need such a reminder. In addition, I assured myself that I have never been known for carelessness. Shortly after this, I attended a meeting before heading for the airport. Incidentally, I forgot the glasses at that meeting venue!

“Even on those issues where we seem to have a clear edge, we still need to act as if everything depends on God. “

As if God wanted to etch the lesson more indelibly, other things happened on that trip. When we changed planes in Istanbul, Turkey, on our way to Tel Aviv, I forgot my belt at the screening point. On our way back, I left my I-mate phone in the bathroom. Then I realized I wasn’t as smart as I thought. The Holy Spirit then taught me the import of our text: “for without me ye can do nothing.” This brings to mind our meditation of yesterday – the importance of recognizing our need for help at all times and for all things. The life we are called to live is that of total dependence on God for all things. We fail at many things because we attempt to confront them with our strength. Even on those issues where we seem to have a clear edge, we still need to act as if everything depends on God.