Reliance In Toto
“A lifetime of learning to rely—one step at a time, guided by grace.”
Scripture Focus: 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17
The devotional “Reliance in Toto” draws our attention to the beauty of total dependence upon God—not as a one-time act but as a daily unfolding of trust rooted in grace. The author reminds us that learning to live in full reliance upon God is not instantaneous. It unfolds over a lifetime through lived experience. This reliance is not born out of striving to impress God with our efforts, but out of acknowledging our inadequacy and joyfully resting in Christ's sufficiency.
J.N. Darby is quoted to affirm that since God has removed our sins through Christ, we no longer come before Him in fear or guilt. We now stand as righteous in Him and are free to enjoy His love. This new posture frees our hearts to dwell in the Father’s presence without shame.
A.I. K’s words offer a clarifying testimony: he no longer tries to generate goodness from himself to meet God’s standard. Instead, he trusts in the indwelling Son to live through him. It’s not self-effort that pleases God, but the expression of Christ's life by faith. A life lived by faith in the Son of God is a life that pleases the Father.
The devotional closes with Paul's words to the Thessalonians: a benediction of comfort and stability in every good word and work—reminding us that even the good we do originates from the life of Christ within, not from our independent selves.
Journal Entry – The Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I have brought you into My rest, not that you might strive to prove your worth, but that you might walk in the fullness of grace. Your sins are remembered no more; they have been cast behind My back, and I have cleansed you from all unrighteousness. You now stand holy and blameless before Me, not by your works, but by the finished work of the Son in whom you are hidden.
It is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. I have poured My love into your heart through the Spirit who indwells you. Let your confidence be in My faithfulness, not your resolve. Let your joy be in what I have done, not what you try to maintain.
You were crucified with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. Therefore, live today not by trying, but by trusting. I will will and do within you according to My good pleasure. You do not need to muster righteousness; you are already clothed in it. You do not need to manufacture strength; you draw from My sufficiency. Every word you speak and work you walk in—let it come from resting in Me.
Do not say, “I must do better.” Say instead, “Christ in me, live as You will.” For I am your life, and your adequacy comes from Me.
Scriptures woven: Hebrews 10:17; Isaiah 38:17; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 1:22; Galatians 2:20; Romans 5:5; Philippians 2:13; Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 3:3–4
Prayer – From My Heart
Father, thank You for placing me in Christ and for removing the exhausting illusion that I must be the origin of goodness. I trust that You are the One living through me today—expressing every good word and every good work by Your Spirit. I don’t look within to find strength, nor do I glance back to measure progress. I simply yield in this moment to Your indwelling presence.
I count on the reality that You love me, that You have given me everlasting comfort and good hope through grace. I rest in the truth that I live by faith in the Son of God, and that He is well able to express through me all that pleases You.
I am Yours. And You are enough.
Devotional credit: Abide Above, April 6 – “Reliance In Toto”
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