Self-reliance vs God-reliance...

Self-reliance verses God-reliance. Most people are sincere in wanting to make the changes that will improve their lives so they give all their effort to do so...this is self-reliance-the biggest con artist in the body of the church. Some people make great strides but are so consumed with achieving their goals that they miss their life in the process. Others try with less success, they end up very frustrated, but they also miss their life in the process. Both are self-reliant behaviors. The truth is none of us can make the desired changes in life and make a difference for God unless we submit our life to Jesus...which is God's plan-this is God-reliance. We can't change on our own and God set it up this way so we would seek Him. We have the full resources of the Trinity to be the person God calls us to be and to make a difference for Him in this world. This includes: 1) staying in a close intimate relationship with Jesus and  accessing the power He makes available to us 2) renewing our mind daily by reading, speaking, hearing and believing the Word of God 3) seeking the Holy Spirit for guidance and to intercede on our behalf. These three steps must be walked out daily. Self-reliance will whisper to be strong, not to act weak or let others know that you need help-this deceives you in believing that asking for help is a weakness. The truth is asking for help is a strength-what we bring in the light loses its power. When we bring our weaknesses in the light...they lose their power-keeping them hidden keeps us in bondage to them. Everything we need comes from God; Jesus lives on the inside of us and His power flows through us to fulfill the call God's placed in us. Our surrender-showing our weaknesses opens the gate for God to release His provisions to and through us. Self-reliance says responsible people take care of their business. But if we can manage it...God doesn't need to. Do not believe the lies of self-reliance. Asking for help places us in a position of receiving power-God's power.  God's provisions empower us to carry out what He asks of us-He flows His love through us giving us the ability to make changes that equip us to serve Him and make a difference in this world! You can-because He can...and He's in you!
(Pr 4:23, Eph 3:14-21) 12/26/12CIFL-LMM