Just Trying Hard

• Striving is trying to do it yourself.
• Trying hard is not the same as obeying.

One will strive as he himself makes tries to obey what he has heard from God, but he could also obey in faith, receiving God's grace on his life and see the power and presence of God manifest to "complete the work".

Peter didn't strive as he got out of the boat. He just obeyed Jesus' words. He did not try to walk on the water. He did it. The striving started when he began looking at and focusing on what he was doing instead of trusting in Jesus.

Stop striving. Stop doing things in your own strength. Stop working so God will be with you. Yes, stop striving. Let Christ live his life through you.

Believe, receive, obey and do the works of Jesus.