Introduction

Life is hard,  Trials and Tribulations are not optional—they are inevitable. Every one of us will face moments where life presses us beyond our strength, wisdom, or resources. But those seasons, as painful as they are, are classrooms for spiritual growth.

This post is part of a series called Key Lessons from Trials; Truths that, when learned and applied, can transform how we experience life, help us avoid any unnecessary suffering going forward, and shape us into the people God created us to be to do good works here and prepare us to be with Him for eternity.

Some lessons must be learned through the fire ourselves, others can be learned by acquiring wisdom from others before we get burned.  This particular lesson is worth learning as early in life as possible to minimize any unnecessary distress:

“There is one God—and I am not Him”

God is very specific and clear in His guidance

His Word is very clear over and over — there is only one God, He is it, and we are to worship and serve Him alone.

“You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3

We are not gods, and we are not meant to worship ourselves. From Genesis to Revelation, God draws a sharp line between the Creator and His creation. When we blur that line, pride takes root, and destruction soon follows.

“You shall worship the Lord your God” – Luke 4:8

“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.” – Romans 1:24-25

“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

We are called to value Him for what He has done for us, fear Him for the righteous judgment that awaits all who have sinned, and yield to Him because His love is unconditional, His wisdom is infinite, His plans are perfect, and His power knows no limits.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  For His mercy endures forever ”  Psalm 106:1, 1071

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” — Mark 12:30

When we submit to Him and make Him our God, He promises to protect, provide, and bless us. His covering brings peace, purpose, and safety even in the midst of trials.
But when we rebel—when we place ourselves first, chase our own desires, and trust in our own knowledge and strength — we push Him away and open the door to confusion, anxiety, and the destructive forces of evil.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”  — James 4:8

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

This is not merely a theological distinction—it’s a matter of spiritual survival. Every trial, every hardship, and every moment of surrender calls us back to this foundational truth:

He alone is God, and our lives can only truly prosper and bear fruit when we align with Him on the throne.

Trials Teach Us Who’s Really in Control

Our success and comfortable life allows us to put God in the background, we loose focus on the reality that God is the source of all we have and we are here for His pleasure not our own. We don’t realize how self-focused and self-reliant we are until something happens that we can’t fix ourselves —a diagnosis, a betrayal, a financial collapse, a loss, or a door slammed shut that we can’t pry open.

It’s in those moments that we discover the limits of our own power and the depth of our need for the One who truly holds all power.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”— 2 Corinthians 12:9

When we reach the end of ourselves, we stand at the beginning of God’s miraculous work.
This is how the lesson takes root:
We stop trying to be our own god, and we start depending on the one true God who alone can redeem, restore, and renew.

What It Looks Like When We Make Ourselves God

Pride often deceives us into thinking:

“This is my life, I am going to live it my way…”

“I know what’s best for me….”

“I’m going to follow my heart …”

“God gave me a brain, I will figure it out….”

“I’m strong, I can handle this…”

“I’m a good person, I deserve…..”

We lean on our understanding, logic, hustle, and experience — until the mountain in front of us refuses to move, or keeps getting higher.
Then we see the truth: We’ve been sitting on a throne that doesn’t belong to us, pretending this life is all about ME and I am in control.

“Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man.”— Romans 1:22–23 

When we make ourselves god, it can take several forms:

Control: Forcing outcomes instead of yielding and trusting God’s approach or timing.

Anxiety: Facing the uncertain future assuming everything depends on our own strength and resourcefulness.

Self-worship: Seeking validation, success, pleasure, or praise more than God’s presence.

Disobedience: Doing what feels right to us hear and now instead of what God calls us to do.

At some point we need to discover we are in no position to even try to be god of our own life.

We were born into a fallen world, our hearts/emotions are seriously flawed and will lead us in the wrong direction if we follow them.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” -Jeremiah 17:9 

“For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” – Mark 7:21-23

Our minds are conditioned by the fallen world around us, we do not properly understand the ways of the spiritual world we are a part of.

“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Our mind will reach incorrect conclusions without understanding and renewal based on God’s word. 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

Our thoughts are influenced by evil and must be taken captive.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, “- 2 Corinthians 10:5

We were never intended to be our own god. Pursuing our own self-centered agendas with our limited earthly minds may appear to work for the short term, but it is building up a chain of consequences which will not serve us well in the long term. Even if we appear to be succeeding in the ways of the world with money and fancy things and a career exerting power and influence over people around us, we all face judgement before God in due time. He sent His son to redeem us from the ways of the world and to live humbly in love and to represent Him on this earth.  He makes it very clear, If we choose to ignore Him and live separate from Him now, we will experience spiritual death and get to live separated from Him for eternity. 

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” — Proverbs 14:12

What It Looks Like When We Make God Our God

When the trial breaks our pride and we finally surrender, we open the door to peace and power that were never available under self-rule.

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety,” –Psalm 4:8, 

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” – Isaiah 30:15 

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,… and you will find rest for your souls….“- Matthew 11:28-30

When God is truly God in our lives, it looks like:

Surrender: Yield your life and your future to God; His Unconditional Love, Divine Wisdom, Perfect Plans and Supreme Power:

 “…Not my will, but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42

Faith: Choosing to trust Him when we can’t yet see the outcome or even the path forward.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Obedience: Allowing His Word to shape our decisions.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” – Joshua 1:8

Peace: Resting in His control instead of our effort.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

Gratitude: Converting anxiety into fervent prayer and gratitude. Thanking Him in every circumstance, not just after deliverance.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” – James 5:16

How to Apply This Lesson

Whether you’re in a storm right now or wanting to prepare for the inevitable one in the future, here are ways to learn and apply this truth without waiting for life to break you:

Acknowledge Him, His Role and Your Limits

Admit that you are not in control—and that’s a good thing. Surrender is the beginning of wisdom.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10

“…With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

He Is the Vine you are a Branch, without Him you can do nothing, but with Him anything is possible.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.- John 15:7

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Seek God Early and Often

Don’t wait until crisis hits to call on Him. Build a deep personal relationship no and get in the habit of depending on Him now.

 “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Deuteronomy 4:29

Let Scripture Shape Your Perspective

God’s Word renews our minds and reminds us who He is. Read it not for just for information but to get to know God and to let Hm transform you.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2 

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. – Proverbs 3:7-8

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 

“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” – Proverbs 4:20-22

Apply A Specific Declaration Of Faith For This Lesson

A declaration of faith for “There is One God and I Am Not Him” is included at the end of this post

– speak it outload until you fully embrace and feel convicted by the message.

A dedicated page for this declaration is at this link – with additional reference verses 

Pray Honest Prayers

Tell God when you feel helpless. He already knows. That honesty opens the door for His power to move.

“Pray without ceasing,” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6

Remember the Lesson When the Trial Ends

When life gets easier, don’t slip back into self-reliance. Let every past trial remind you: you are not God, and that’s why life is safe in His hands.

The Fruit of Learning This Lesson

When this truth takes hold, your outlook changes:

You stop trying to control outcomes and start trusting God’s plan.

You stop blaming yourself for what only God can fix.

You gain peace that surpasses understanding even in the storm.

You find strength not in your power, but in His.

“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” — Romans 11:36 (NKJV)

Additional Resources

Trials Squeeze The Real You Out <Blog Post>

Dan Mohler: Get Your Motive Right, You Are Here to Shine <Video>

Book: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren – Understanding why you exist for God’s glory.

Book: The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer – Returning to a God-centered life.

Book: “I Am Not (God) but I Know I AM” by Louie Giglio, Passion City Church <Book>

Scripture Reading: Read Job 38–42 for God’s reminder of His sovereignty.

Reflection Practice: Journal how a past trial revealed your limits and strengthened your trust in God.

Closing Thought

The quicker we learn that there is one God and we are not Him, the lighter our burdens become.
Trials may expose our weakness—but they also reveal His strength.

“Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” – Psalm 100:3

So whether you’re in a storm or watching one pass, remember this key lesson:
You don’t have to be god over your life.
You just have to trust the God who is.

“The LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him.” — Deuteronomy 4:35 (NKJV)

—————————————————————————————-
Declaration:  “There is One God and I Am Not Him”

“I acknowledge and declare that there is one true and living God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and I am not Him. He alone is worthy of all worship, honor, and praise.
I renounce pride, self-serving agendas, self-reliance, and every form of self-worship that leads to idolatry of the heart.
I choose instead to humble myself before God, to seek His will above my own, and to live in obedience to His Word.
His wisdom is perfect, His plans are higher, and His power is made strong in my weakness.
I belong to Him, and I live to glorify His holy name in all I do
I will worship the Lord my God and serve Him only, for His ways are righteous, His plans are perfect, and His purposes for me are far greater than anything I could devise. In Jesus’ Name.”

Key Supporting Scriptures:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” — Matthew 4:10“
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” — Isaiah 55:8
“Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” – Psalm 100:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” — Philippians 2:3
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6