As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
“Read Psalm 103:12 in Bible Gateway”
If you’ve ever found yourself trying to fix yourself without God—through sheer willpower or self-discipline—you’re not alone.
Have you ever told yourself something like:
- “I’m done gossiping.”
- “I’m going to be more patient—especially with my family.”
- “I’m not going to snap at my spouse anymore.”
- “I’m cutting back on drinking.”
- “I swear, I’m going to stop swearing.”
And maybe you succeed… for a little while.
But then stress creeps in, someone cuts you off in traffic, the line at the store backs up because someone’s writing a check, your coworker makes another passive-aggressive comment—and boom. You’re right back in it.
We all have these moments where we try to be our own solution. We tighten the reins, make a new rule, and commit to “doing better.” But that commitment often crashes into reality… hard.
If you’ve ever wondered why certain struggles still stick around even after following Christ, you’ll want to check out Why Do I Still Struggle with Sin? Paul Did Too.
And it’s not just the behavior—we carry guilt for not being able to fix it.
The Self-Help Gospel Doesn’t Work
Most of us believe, deep down, that change comes from within. That if we just try hard enough, we’ll finally become the person we’re supposed to be.
And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to grow. But the danger comes when we start thinking we can fix the sin problem in us the same way we fix a leaky faucet—grab the right tools, work a little harder, and it’ll stop.
The gospel doesn’t work that way—and honestly, life usually doesn’t either. No matter how hard we try to fix ourselves, real change doesn’t come from willpower alone.
The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness…
1 Corinthians 2:14
The world sees grace as weakness. But grace is the very thing that sets us free from the weight of trying to “earn” our way to God.
Our Version: “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”
God’s Version: “I’ve Already Helped—Just Trust Me”
There’s this popular idea floating around that says, “God helps those who help themselves.”
It’s catchy. It sounds empowering. But it’s not Scripture.
In fact, God’s Word says the opposite. That while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). That salvation is a gift—not something we achieve.
“Everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
John 3:15
We don’t climb a moral ladder to reach God. We stand at the bottom and hold out empty hands. And He meets us there with grace.
Grace Isn’t Earned. It’s Received.
If you’ve ever thought, I should be past this by now—you’re not alone.
But the message of the gospel isn’t “try harder.” It’s “trust deeper.”
God never asked you to carry your guilt alone. He’s already removed it—as far as the east is from the west.
The Christian life isn’t about perfect performance. It’s about surrendering control and accepting a gift we could never deserve.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
Let Go of the Fix-It Mentality and Let Grace In
If you’re trying to fix something in yourself right now—anger, comparison, anxiety, resentment, bitterness, or a habit that just won’t break—start by getting honest with God about it. He’s not waiting for you to clean it up. He’s waiting for you to hand it over.
Ask for His help. Invite Him into the mess.
Then get into His Word. Not as a task, but as a lifeline. Let His truth renew your mind and quiet your guilt. Jot down what stands out. Talk with someone you trust. Let grace do the work only God can do.
You don’t have to carry this alone.
You weren’t meant to.
Ready to Stop Striving?
If this hit home for you, take a few minutes today to read Psalm 103 and 1 Corinthians 2. Then ask: Am I trying to earn what God already gave me?
If this post encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs the reminder that grace is still free—and it’s still enough.