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The Struggle Within: Self-Reliance Versus God-Reliance

I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.

New International Version�LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.

New Living Translation�I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.

Amplified Bible�O LORD, I know that the path of [life of] a man is not in himself; It is not within [the limited ability of] man [even one at his best] to choose and direct his steps [in life].�

Note: �Self-reliance is a default, inherited from the fallen human race. Adam & Eve trusted their judgment over God’s command, leading to the fall (Genesis 3:6)

Self-reliance is total dependence or trust on one’s own abilities, knowledge, and resources to navigate life and solve problems.

Jer.10:23 ESV

We all have areas in our lives where this battle rages. One is natural, the other is unnatural and voluntary.

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How Do I Know I'm Relying on My Self?

Pride – Prov.3:5-6 (when someone is always bent on his/her ways. Refusal to let go and submit to God’s ways)
Frustration – Phil.4:7
Worry/anxiety – Phil.4:6
Success with strings attached – 1Tim.6:10

The Fruit of Self Reliance – King Saul

Saul lost his kingship

(1 Samuel 13:8-14): Acted out of impatience and fear, offering sacrifices himself rather than waiting for Samuel, resulting in God rejecting his kingship. (Impatience, presumption, lack of faith

Proverbs 3:5-6�Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Your own understanding – own abilities, knowledge, and resources,

Heart: Heb ‘leb’ - the feelings (emotions), the will, the intellect, center. Derived from an unused root meaning “to be enclosed”

Acknowledge: Heb ‘yada’ – to know by perception and understanding born out of deep relational equity, intimate familiarity. (Experiential knowledge)

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What is God-Reliance?

Placing full trust in God’s wisdom, power, presence and timing to guide and sustain us.

Rooted in faith, humility, and surrender. Trusting… even though we don’t have all the evidence or aware of how to navigate through complex situations

A Christian’s success in life and ministry comes from staying connected to Christ, not from independent efforts Jn.15:5).

How to Cultivate God-Reliance

Acknowledge Human Limitations – the 5-senses, physical energy, trade or service skills, human connections are not enough. Even the strongest grow weary, but those who hope in the Lord find renewed strength. (Isa. 40:30-31)

Develop a Habit of Prayer – exchanging our limitations with His divine sovereignty Prayer acknowledges dependence on God. (Phil 4:6)

Immerse Yourself in God’s Word – mind-set shift, new light and assurance. God’s Word provides guidance and clarity. (Ps. 119:105)

Trust in God’s Timing – Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it seems slow to us. (Eccl. 3:1-11)

Seek Divine Wisdom not earthly - "The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding". (Jer.10:12)

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2Sam. 5:17-25

17When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. 18Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 19And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” 20And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.c 21And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.

22And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 24And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 25And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.

Note: The situations were exactly the same, but God’s ways are not stereotyped

The Fruit of God-Reliance – King David

�David’s kingship prospered

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Biblical References

Proverbs 16:9�A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

�Psalm 37:23�The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.��Isaiah 48:17�Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go.��Psalm 25:4-5�Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.��Isaiah 30:21�And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

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Key Takeaways

Self-reliance leads to pride, frustration, and failure.

God-reliance brings peace, direction, and blessings.

The Christian life is about abiding in Christ, knowing that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).