Trying, Not Trying, and Trusting

Trying, Not Trying, and Trusting

1. Trying in Self-Effort

Like rowing a boat against the current with no oars. You exhaust yourself, but never make it upstream. (Ecclesiastes 1:14; John 15:5)

2. Not Trying at All

Like leaving a field unplowed. The soil hardens, weeds take over, and no harvest comes. (Proverbs 24:30–34; James 2:17)

3. Trying with God’s Grace

Like sailing with the wind in your sails. You still hoist the sail and steer, but the power comes from beyond you. (Philippians 2:12–13; 1 Corinthians 15:10)

4. Resting in God’s Work

Like a child asleep in a father’s arms. Safety is not earned — it is received. (Matthew 11:28–30; Hebrews 4:10)

A Word of Hope

God sees your trying. He knows the weariness of effort. The good news: you don’t have to keep rowing alone. His Spirit is the wind that fills your sails.

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Your trying becomes fruitful when it shifts from self-striving to Spirit-led perseverance. God does not despise the struggle — He steps into it and makes it life-giving.