WHY DO THEY INSIST ON TRUSTING THEIR OWN ABILITIES?

 1 Chron 21:1-30 / 11 Samuel 24:1-25
And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and He moved David against them to say go number Israel and Judah.
There happened to be a period of long warfare. David and his armies had many battles that arose with the Philistines even since the time he slew the first one on behalf of Saul. They slew four other giants and they were greatly victorious in battle. There were many men of valor in David’s camp. When you put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, He is your refuge. He favors you every time. He fights for you and after a while your battles...the wars are formality. The battle is won before it starts. When you’re a warrior by nature victory becomes your name. In the midst of these numerous victories and favor, it is easy to be distracted by a thought which gives you the idea that the works that you wrought, the strength by which you fought, the high place wherein you stand is because of thine own hands and by thine own abilities. Vanity crept in within the rank because of strategic success. The people were in a spiritual stagnation. They were spoiled. They were used to being blessed which can lead to cracks in the foundation of faith. It became business as usual and the Lord provoked King David to number the people. The Lord did it because he wanted to chasten them as a nation, and he wanted them to repent and humble themselves as the Lord’s children. So, that in doing so they would be healed as a nation and return to unity in the faith. For this purpose, he didn’t mention this situation by numbering the people to be a sin. He moved David as the head to do it. Though David took accountability and did repent as being the Lord’s under Shepherd and King. The Lord gave King David three options and he chose pestilence still maintaining hope that the Lord would show mercy and compassion. It is important for servants of the Lord to yield to the Spirit of God. There is much work to be done and spiritual warfare is a part of the job / calling. We must let the Spirit do the work and let Him lead. The servant cannot be greater than his master and there is nothing we can do in our own strength that will remain. Any work of the flesh is temporary. However, with the Spirit of God the works will remain and will not come back void. Hasn't the Lord been a provider?
Food for thought: Do we do this with our census every ten years?