Grace vs Determination

Grace vs determination

I sometimes wonder how unbelievers get through some of life's toughest situations.

I know I have had things happen in my life when I leaned heavily on Jesus and my Christian family and don't know how I would have faced it without them.

I asked a woman once how she faced rough times, knowing that she did not acknowledge the Lord in her daily life. She replied, "Determination."

I have heard it said before that faith in God is only for the weak.

So then, am I to think that if I am trusting and depending on my faith that I am weak and lack determination?

I believe otherwise. But I know without Jesus I am weak. I know without faith I have no hope. I know my determination can and will falter. But with God, I have a power that nothing can rival.

Consider the following verses just to mention a few:

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB)

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NASB)

In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears. (Psalms 18:6 NASB)

The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. (Psalms 118:14 NASB)

"For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me. (2 Samuel 22:40 NASB)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. (Ephesians 6:10 NASB)