Read Proverbs 3. Reflect on verses 5–6.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
The principle that has most affected my understanding and achievement of success is divine partnership. The law of divine partnership enlists cooperation, association, collaboration, affiliation, and connection between an individual and God. Businesses create partnerships. Marriages require partnerships. Parenting supports partnerships. Communities offer partnerships. While risk is always inherent in human partnerships, it is not a factor when one partners with God.
God is the only lifelong partner we can share absolutely every aspect of our lives with. No one else offers the same level of access or transparency. God is not biased or self-centered. He focuses on our success and does not manipulate or defraud our being. Knowing He wants us to grow and thrive forms the foundation for trust, relationship, and cooperation with Him.
The law of divine partnership operates in the following manner: I work diligently to seek my objectives and life goals with all my mental, emotional, and physical capacities. I study, prepare, and continually add to what I can offer others, both in my personal and professional endeavors.
I constantly strive to improve my skills and abilities. I do this daily; however, I don’t exclusively trust in my own talent to cause me to succeed. I trust in God’s favor and providence through my personal relationship with Him. I once heard a preacher express it like this: “Pray like everything is up to God, and work like everything is up to you.”
Choosing whether to trust in the grace and enabling of God or in our own experiences and abilities is a decision of the heart. That’s why the passage says we are to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not depend on our own understanding. We are encouraged to seek knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. However, when times become challenging, or when we cannot see our way through, we need to trust and offer up all to God.
The grace and favor of God enable us to reach our goals. Partnering with God equips us to SEE | BE | DO | MORE. Applying the law of divine partnership requires us to have hearts of gratitude and trust, not hearts of pride and self-sufficiency.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I want to partner with You so I can be an excellent person for those whom I influence. Help me trust You and not lean to my own understanding. I want to apply the law of divine partnership and acknowledge You in all I do.
“God is my senior partner. I hope to always remain a minority partner with Him.” —David R. Lockwood
David Lockwood 