Only God...

Today I am reminded of Daniel's words to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon: 

"No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" (Daniel 2:27 and 28a). 

He gave credit to God.  So many times in youth ministry, I have taken the credit without deflecting it back up to heaven where it truly belongs.  I think maybe I am so starved for approval and appreciation sometimes that I take the credit for myself.  My friends, this should not be.  God gave us our position in ministry.  God gave us our skills and abilities to do our job.  God entrusted the students in our ministries to our care.  Only God...  Only God deserves the praise and glory for the good things done in our students' lives.  We get to participate in His plan.  Wow!  That is awe-inspiring that He would do that.  Next time you receive praise, consider, in turn, giving it back as a gift to the one true gift giver, only God.