The Self-Reliance Paradox: How to Stop Going it Alone and Fully Rely on God

Some of us spend too much time focusing on our limits, while others avoid them because of how it makes them feel. We have to have a clear understanding of our limitations so we can know where we can look to God for help.

Cursed is the one who trusts in human strength and the abilities of mere mortals. His very heart strays from the Eternal. He is like a little shrub in the desert that never grows; he will see no good thing come his way. He will live in a desert wasteland, a barren land of salt where no one lives.

Jeremiah 17:5-6 Voice

Relying on God is the process of telling ourselves that we don’t have all the answers and committing ourselves to prayer instead of trying to figure things out on our own. It requires trusting that God not only cares but is real and able to make a tangible difference in our lives.

But blessed is the one who trusts in Me alone; the Eternal will be his confidence. He is like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots beside the stream. It does not fear the heat or even drought. Its leaves stay green and its fruit is dependable, no matter what it faces.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Voice

Check out our new video about how to rely on God instead of going it alone.

Show Notes:

Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV

Cursed is the one who trusts in human strength and the abilities of mere mortals. His very heart strays from the Eternal. He is like a little shrub in the desert that never grows; he will see no good thing come his way. He will live in a desert wasteland, a barren land of salt where no one lives.

Jeremiah 17:5-6 Voice

But blessed is the one who trusts in Me alone; the Eternal will be his confidence. He is like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots beside the stream. It does not fear the heat or even drought. Its leaves stay green and its fruit is dependable, no matter what it faces.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Voice

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

Matthew 6:6 MSG

“Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.”

—Tony Robbins