Self-Reliance

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

English Standard Version

When I chose Christ as my great healer, doctor, and counselor, my mind went through a profound transformation. My heart was weak and dark, searching for wholeness. After years of shallow faith, I plunged headfirst into the deep waters. I knew apart from Christ, I failed, and in Christ, failure was impossible.

Desperate to be free of the battles within my mind, I prayed for change. I was never opposed to medical treatment; however, I despised the idea of being reliant on what they offered. It was not feasible to consider managing myself, either. Self-reliance, apart from Christ, is a prison to self. We were freed from that long ago.

Instead, I surrendered myself entirely to Jesus Christ, beginning with my broken mind. People believe in God for healing from illness all the time. I chose to trust Him for mental wellness.

The battle to surrender is not a single moment of raising a white flag. Surrender is a daily choice. If you want to experience freedom in forgiveness, joy, and peace, then submission is what you must do.

In my life, the more I surrendered, the more intense my relationship with God grew. I poured out to Him, and he poured into me. Increased dependence on Jesus increased my confidence. I accepted my weaknesses and limitations but knew they would be transformed in Christ. When He filled me, I was self-reliant through what was inside my being, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

We are never alone. Once we receive Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, our internal Comforter, intercedes on our behalf. The Spirit guides and points our worship to God. With a mind so focused on God, we can distance ourselves from the world. In this, we find the freedom to believe, trust, and evolve as children of the Most High.

Self-reliance isn’t about relying on self. It is surrendering and finding the indwelling power within. It is another free-will act that will clarify and broaden your relationship with the Almighty.

“When men surrender themselves to the Spirit of God, they will learn more concerning God and Christ and the atonement and immortality in a week, than they would learn in a lifetime, apart from the Spirit.” -Brown

 

– “Why Don’t They Understand”-Bill Brinkworth

 

About the Author

Lisa Wenninger is a speaker, writer, podcaster, and Kingdom Winds Collective member. She currently manages a local church with a family of believers she loves. Lisa enjoys volunteering as a Stephen Minister and being able to walk alongside others in their time of need. She is an animal lover (former assistant to the director at this fantastic location), a beach enthusiast, and enjoys hiking, museums, and eating out. Fun fact - she loves to sing but says that you don’t want to hear her do it.

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