“God helps those that help themselves.”

I heard that a lot growing up - in church, in school, from friends, from teachers, etc. While in college, I had a Sunday school teacher that taught about Biblical myths one Sunday. That lesson stuck has stuck with me over the years, and one of the myths covered was this one. My teacher said that there was not a verse in the Bible that said this, and that really struck me because I was sure that it was, given how much I had heard it. Instead, this is actually a quote from Ben Franklin that appeared in Poor Richard’s Almanac in 1757.

A few weeks ago, randomly, I heard the following that put this into further perspective:

Sam was in dire trouble. His business had gone bust and he was in serious financial trouble. He was so desperate he decided to pray for help. He began, ‘God, please help me. I’ve lost my business and if I don’t get some money, I’m going to lose my house as well. Please let me win the lottery.’ Lottery night came and Sam didn’t win. Again Sam prays, ‘God, please let me win the lottery! I’ve lost my business, my house and I’m going to lose my car as well.’ Lotto night comes and Sam still has no luck. Once again, he prays, ‘My God, why have you forsaken me? I’ve lost my business, my house, and my car. My wife and children are starving. I don’t often ask you for help and I have always been a good servant to you. PLEASE just let me win the lottery this one time so I can get my life back in order.’ Suddenly there is a blinding flash of light as the heavens open. Sam is confronted by the voice of God Himself: ‘Sam,’ says God, ‘meet Me halfway on this. Buy a bloody ticket.’

This is a good analogy, because while God helps the helpless and anyone who calls upon His name with good intentions, He doesn’t want us to sit on our duff and do nothing but lip service, either.

I think gotquestions.com says it pretty well.

Apart from salvation, there is perhaps a way that the concept “God helps those who help themselves” is correct. As an example, if you asked me to help you move a piece of furniture, but then just watched me as I moved the furniture for you, I was not actually helping you. I would be doing the work for you. Many Christians fall into the trap of inactivity. Many Christians ask God for help, but then expect God to do everything Himself. They excuse this by pointing to the fact that God will provide according to His will and in His timing. However, this is not a reason for inactivity. As a specific example, if you are in need of a job, ask the Lord to help you find a job - but then be active in actually looking for a job. While it is in His power to do so, it is highly unlikely that God will cause employers to come looking for you!

Just some thoughts…