… God.
Having lived 16 years in the Third World, I decry poverty mentality that blames “destiny” and takes no action to improve oneself. Thank God I learned the Protestant work ethic from childhood: through study, hard work, 
creativity, one can achieve any dream. Third Worlders see themselves as powerless to get ahead; as a result, they just goof off and be lazy.
BUT, I have witnessed the short comings of a strong work ethic. Too often, too much hard work is not rewarded with results: it’s a lot of spinning wheels. I labored intensely as a missionary, and the church did NOT grow. After more than a decade of killing myself believing in the do-it-
yourself mentality and seeing an essentially stagnant church, I tried prayer.
Things exploded. When man moves, it’s never as good as when God moves. I am NOT denouncing work. I am just tempering it. 
There’s a balance. If you’re tired of tiring yourself out without seeing results, try entering more God into the equation. He may be waiting for you.
If it’s going to be, it is up to me God.
Mustard Seed Budget 
I don’t know why prayer seems to be my “last resort” because letting God in ALWAYS works so much better than anything I can even dream up on my own, much less do. Thank you for the reminder.
Yes, yes, yes. That is what happens!
It is because we are human. It is because we have been trained to be self reliant. I need to remind myself!
Btw, you have given me another prayer post topic. Thank you! Probably tomorrow! Maybe today!
So cool! I can’t wait to read it!!
I enjoy your short, beautifully illustrated little nuggets. I’ve nominated you for a 2012 Blogger of the Year award. You can see the details in the most recent post on my blog. Thanks so much for your insight.
You are so kind. Yes, short. yes pictures. That’s my formula! Thanks for all the cheering comments always! you are a great blessing to me.
A hearty AMEN to this one!
🙂
So very true! Timely reminder! Thanks for the post 🙂
Praise Him!
And after all, too much of anything is simply nothing. This is a real insight. Thanks!
Love this “If you’re tired of tiring yourself out without seeing results, try entering more God into the equation. He may be waiting for you.” – Sam
Wonderful to hear it helps! — Mike
Another good article and so true. I think I needed this reminder – sometimes I try too hard alone. Thank you.
Help us Jesus!
Dear Pastor Mike
May I ask you, how quickly did you see your explosive results? Was it immediate, or did you have to pray for a while first?
Some prayers get answered quickly. Others a long time. And you?
I too sometimes feel like a basket case, in fact the doctors even claimed that. But I know I am not alone, God gives me strength to move forward, seeing the past with new eyes, helps move the mountains in my present day, even if its only a small pebble.
thanks for the support!
“If it is to be, it is up to God” What a great way to live. Your blog is such an inspiration to me. I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Details are on my site. God bless. Connie
You are too kind!!!!!!!!
I love reading your posts. They are very helpful! God Bless 🙂
Thank you!!!!!
And thank you for your smiling face! Your gravatar always seems to cheer me up! It’s amazing what something so simple as a smile can do! 😀
I love this… so true!!!
😀