Truly, it’s not by effort, for no matter how hard we try, it’s God who shows mercy and decides our path.

Many people think they have to work their way into God’s favor by doing good things or trying harder every day. But the truth is, our relationship with God doesn’t depend on our effort alone. It depends on His mercy. What a God we have!

Today, let this truth help you let go of the pressure to earn your place with God and instead rest in His grace.

Key Takeaway to Not by Effort:

  • Not by Effort: Your salvation and purpose are not based on how hard you try but on God’s mercy and grace.

Anchor Bible Verse of the day

So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.

— Romans 9:16 (NKJV)

This verse teaches that our salvation and calling are not based on our desire or effort but on God’s mercy. Paul is helping believers understand that God’s purpose is fulfilled not by human striving but by His grace.

God chooses and blesses according to His own will, not based on anything we can do to earn it.

Key Explanations

  • Not of him who wills: It doesn’t depend on our desire or decision.
  • Nor of him who runs: Our actions, efforts, or achievements don’t secure God’s favor.
  • But of God, who shows mercy: Everything we receive from God is because He chooses to be kind and loving toward us.

Reflection on Not by Effort

As you go through today, remember that it is not by effort that you are loved, saved, or called by God.

This doesn’t mean that effort isn’t good. It simply means that it is not the foundation of your relationship with God. His mercy is.

Many believers often fall into the trap of trying to earn God’s love through constant striving. We think that if we pray more, serve more, or do better, God will finally be pleased. But God’s mercy isn’t a reward for effort. It is a gift.

Romans 11:6 supports this by saying,

And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise, grace is no longer grace.

This verse reinforces the idea that grace and effort are not equal partners in God’s plan. If we depend on grace, we must fully accept that God’s mercy is the reason we are where we are.

When you wake up in the morning, remind yourself that you are already accepted by God, not because of what you do, but because of who He is.

Don’t carry the burden of trying to prove your worth to God. You already have worth because He chose to show you mercy.

When you do good things, let it be out of love for Him, not pressure to earn His love.

Today, walk in peace and assurance. Live your life knowing that it is not by effort that you are blessed, but by God’s unending mercy.

Share this truth with others who are struggling under the weight of trying to “do enough.” Tell them that God’s mercy is more than enough.

Beloved, it’s not by effort, so keep this in your heart today. Let it remind you to rest in God’s mercy, trust His grace, and stop worrying about earning what He freely gives.

When you make mistakes or feel like you’re not doing enough, remember, it’s not about your performance. It’s about God’s mercy.

Blessings..!

Call to Action

  • Today, stop striving and start trusting. Reflect on God’s mercy and rest in His grace. Share this truth with someone who needs to hear it.

Prayer Point for Today

  • Mercy over Effort: Pray and thank God for His mercy in your life. Ask Him to help you stop relying on your efforts and to trust fully in His grace and love.

Let’s pray

Our Father, thank you for reminding us that it is not by our effort that we are saved or called. Help us to live with confidence in Your mercy and not be weighed down by the need to perform.

In the precious and mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

My prayer for you today: I pray that you will rest in God’s mercy and walk confidently knowing that He has chosen you not by effort, but by grace.