How can we apply relying on Jesus in situations where it appears we have to rely on ourselves?

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Let me flip the question around a little bit: Is there anything about going back to school, working hard, and interviewing for (notice I didn't say "getting") a great job that is inherently not relying on God?

There's two sides to this coin: Using the talents God has given you, and being faithful to use them for his glory.

God made you a certain way, and make no bones about it, he is the one who gave you the talents you have. So when it comes to relying on God in that sense, you already are. In fact, it takes God to even allow you to breathe. Everything you have, and everything you are is from God, so in that sense, you're always relying on him.

And there comes a point when we have to realize that working is part of God's will for us. I am a programmer, but if I sit behind my computer, never write a line of code, and trust Jesus to write it for me, I'll probably get fired, and Paul would say, I'm worse than an infidel for not providing for my family. Work is still relying on God. It's the means he's given us that he uses to provide us with the things we need.

Also, in each of our lives, we will each have several opportunities to make bad decisions. As you go back to school, you have the opportunity to either learn what they're teaching properly, or you'll have the opportunity to cheat on your tests. Cheat, and you're not relying on God. Do the best you can, and you are.

You'll also have the opportunity to overwork yourself and neglect your family. Work so hard that they never see you, and your wife and kids forget who you are, and you're probably not relying on God. Work as hard as you can without neglecting the roles and responsibilities God has given you, and you probably are.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 says:

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Whatever your hand finds to do. In whatever roles you find yourself in, do them well. If you find yourself in the role of father, do that well. Of husband, do that well. Of student, do that well. Of employee, do that well.

Ultimately, it takes wisdom. Ask Jesus: Should I take on this role of student? If you feel you can without irreparably damaging your other roles, and you're open and honest about that, then I think you're in a good place.

I wouldn't over-think the whole "relying on God" thing. He's given you certain characteristics because he wants you to use them to his glory. Do the best you can, and trust him with the results.

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In All Things trust In Jesus through his Gospel of Grace, Grace Personified is Jesus. By All means Plan and Work and your talents will show you the way but Pray everyday that you make the right decision and the Holy Spirit Guides you in every step. As he is in Heaven So are we in this world. 1 John 4:17. He is not poor, he is not sick, he does not have lacks,, hence so are we in this world because we died and Rose with him.The Storms for the believer and the Non believer are going to be the same BUT the believers Rock is Solid Foundations. That foundation is Jesus. Next thing is to trust in him completely. Then All the minute questions you have will fade away giving you Peace. The scripture says in John 14: Let not your hearts be troubled" Don't let your heart be troubled but trust in the saviour's love for you.

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