"Believing in what Christ attained for us on the cross isn't enough." This opening statement (THE LIE) might ruffle some feathers. I know; I would have been "up in arms" myself once, until I stepped out of line and sought knowledge from its true source.

The subtle, yet pervasive, lie is that our own efforts are required to earn God's favor or blessings. We engage in spiritual gestures, such as "sow a seed for your breakthrough" and "pray to break barriers," among others. I once believed and committed to it all.

I poured my tireless effort into fields I wasn't called to—chasing shadows that vanished at dawn—only to find no lasting fruit. The relentless cycle of disappointment, the accusations, the judgments—these were all signs of a mind attempting to justify its own path, even when it defied the very nature of our Creator. I was drained, confused, feeling lost, and incomplete, gripped by the anxiety of never being enough. Looking back, I realize how many wrestle with that same fear: 'Am I doing enough? Am I worthy?'

My turning point came when I truly pursued God's presence. Everything shifted. I remember a moment—quiet, almost unremarkable—when I laid down my striving and simply asked God to show me His way. Prayer became pure communication, a cherished time with the Father. Giving became an act of obedience, influenced by Him, not a transaction for personal gain. My requests found their right place at His feet, not as demands, but as expressions of where I needed to be—in His presence.

These gestures are fine if they're God-breathed, a natural pouring out of myself to Him. But too often, that wasn't the case. I had abandoned Him and all that was Him, in my relentless pursuit of self-effort.

"I need no other argument, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me." This powerful truth sets us free. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

We pray to maintain open communication with our Father. We give because He guides us. We share our struggles because He directs our steps to the help He's already provided. Let your actions flow from love for your Father, not from a desire for return. With gladness, even amidst difficulties, know that this is how we love Him back.

In Christ, we are fully provided for, complete, and everything is accessible. If you find yourself weary from striving, know that you are not alone—rest in His finished work. Let your actions flow from love, not fear. This is how we truly take our place in Him.