"Let go and let God."
"God helps those who help themselves."
These popular contradictory slogans are not found in Scripture, and they slightly distort the truth about God's role and our role in Christian growth.
"Let go and let God" is true if we mean "quit trying to do it in your own strength" but not true if we mean "God doesn't expect us to do anything."(1)
"God helps those who help themselves" is true if it means "God expects us to cooperate with His purposes" (Matthew 16:24). But it's not true if it means "God expects us to do things in our own strength" (Ephesians 3:20).(2)
The best "slogan" comes from Scripture and tells us we have a serious responsibility to actively seek and submit to God, but He is the only One who can change us:
"Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Philippians 2:12-13
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(1) Compare 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 with Philippians 2:12-13.
These 1-minute devotions explain these two passages:
Paul Despaired of Life
Our Part and God's Part
(2) See God's Escalator Ride.
This year I celebrate 50 years of marriage and I'm sharing some posts on marriage. You might enjoy "Falling or Walking."
Bible Love Notes
Great points Gail. It's so easy to hear those frequently quoted thoughts and believe they are Biblical. Thanks for pointing to truth!
ReplyDeleteSo well put, Gail.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Gail...I will be sharing this post this valentine's week
ReplyDeleteSomething we should be aware of. Great post.. I often hear "God never gives us more than we can cope with" To me I think that anything we think we can't cope with that if we turn to God He will help us to cope with it.. I hope I put that right. ( I sometimes have difficulty expressing myself..X)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this timely message! And congratulations on 50 years of marriage-an outstanding achievement💖
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