It can happen whether living overseas or your native country, even in your childhood hometown. It can sneak up on you without conscious thought or intention when you’re an idealistic young adult or seasoned life survivor. Very human, very natural…very detrimental.  

IT is trying to do your life by your own strength, your own sufficiency, will power, discipline, and determination. 

God knew this would be our tendency. He made us in His image to be workers, forward thinkers, goal-oriented, even perfectionists with rules to some degree. But He knew we would go too far in our self-dependency and need healing from this human condition. 

I fall prey to this sufficiency trap at times, even though I teach about unrealistic self-expectations and should know better. Much of my work as a speaker, author, coach, counselor, and international student placement director fluctuates based on client/consumer demands which I cannot control. This fact of my career has helped me recognize I am not really directing this journey. Certainly, I need to show up when opportunities come my way and do my best, but the arranging of the circumstances is rarely done by my hand. 

When Jesus came to earth, He declared this solo human act was not the way to live. He talked about His mission to show us what God the Father was really like and our obstacles to connect with a Holy God. He also pointed out the limitations and liabilities involved in depending on ourselves to work it all out, on earth and in heaven. 

His words in Matthew 11:28-30 are offering us healing from past self-reliance and prevention from burning out or losing our joy in the life God has given us. Jesus spoke and modeled doing things in obedience to the Father, waiting for His divine direction. Our yoke, our connection to God, fits us — not too heavy, not for someone else. Instead of being a shackle, this yoke is our safe, gentle guide to the path ahead, God’s own healing hand on our shoulders.