A quick lesson that we can learn from the longer passage that we studied this week. For those who don't want to study the whole passage and just want a quick devotion to meditate on throughout the week.
We can't manipulate, coerce, or force God to do what we want, and we shouldn't want to. He knows what's best. So, ask Him. Then, work in cooperation with Him to bring about the outcome that He desires.
Just because something seems right to us, it doesn't mean that it is. God determines what is good and right so we need to check with Him before we just decide we are doing the right thing. If it goes against any of God’s commands, then it’s obviously not what we should be doing.
In and of themselves, the person God calls us to follow may not be worthy of our full faith. But, if they're selected and led by the Lord, then by following them, we are not trusting in their ability, but God's. This is much easier! When I remember that this is the way God set things up and that I'm really trusting God and not a man, then I am much less resistant because He is perfect and powerful.
You can't change yourself or be better in your own power, so stop trying. This year, let your resolution be to commit your life to Him and feed His Spirit within you so that He can produce good fruit. Let God change you from the inside out. Then, you will truly be changed and it will be much more effortless than trying to do it yourself and failing along the way.