I feel God is burning away self-sufficiency and giving many renewed strength.⁠
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“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”- 1 Pet. 5:7 (NIV)⁠
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Many of you have been walking with the Lord for years and have learned so much about His character and ways. But self-sufficiency has slowly crept in and taken root in your hearts. You might not recognize it as it feels very familiar and reasonable, but God is wanting to pull this root out of your heart.⁠
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Do you feel more tired than usual? Are you feel exhausted after doing only a fraction of what you did in years past? This is the Lord exposing your self-sufficiency for what it is. He is showing you how much you have strayed from depending on Him and how much you are now doing in your own strength. Your strength is limited, but His is everlasting.⁠
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Turn to the Lord to learn how to depend on Him again. Let go of what you know and how things have always been. He will show you new, simple steps for your life. Even the basic disciplines of prayer, worship and reading His Word have become filled with striving. Allow Him to breathe His breath back into these areas as only He can. Break away the boxes that have defined these life-giving areas with man-made structures. Make space for His Spirit to move over you again through the simple disciplines of the faith.⁠
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Do you ask the Lord about His plans, or ask Him to bless your plans? He is always doing new things around you, but you will miss it by being loyal to your own ways. He is eager to speak with you, share His heart with you. Let go of your plans and see what He does.⁠
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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matt.11:28-30 (NIV)⁠
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He will carry the burden with you as you include Him. You will find you can do ten times more than you have been doing with Him! Now you think how can you do less, but soon you will think how can you do more!⁠
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See also Isaiah 30:15-16, 19, 20-22⁠