Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 1 Corinthians 1:9 (Originally written 4-2-2011)

I started to write one of my normal “me-bashing” posts, but I’m not sure that’s fully accurate.

Do I still have trouble with self-reliance? Sure. Do I plan too much and pray too little? Definitely.

But am I better than I used to be? Do I really believe that many of the things God has in store are dependent on prayer? Yes to both. In a minute, I’ll hit the exercise machine and on there I will pray. I will wrestle in prayer over things I believe God wants to do in my life, the life of our family, and the life of our church. And I believe that the success of all of them is in some way dependent on that prayer. Not reciting a prayer, but wrestling in prayer with the God who loves me enough to answer when I submit myself to Him.

So, I’ll probably struggle with self-reliance for the rest of my life. But that doesn’t mean I can’t praise Him for the God-reliance He’s taught me so far.

[Father, thank You for all You’ve taught me about relying on You and wrestling in prayer with You. Continue the growth You’ve begun in me.]