“As we rely on God for everything, we are expected to respond to this dependence with words, prayers, and actions of faith. Even though we work as if everything depends on us, still we know in our hearts that everything really depends on God.
Saint Augustine is quoted as saying, ‘He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent.’ I think that’s another way of saying that God doesn’t need to — but finds great pleasure in — including us in the process of redemption. It’s a profound truth and a beautiful partnership that we can work for God like all depends on us, while knowing with absolute certainty that we can do nothing apart from God’s help.”
Perry Engle, bishop of the Midwest and Pacific Conferences of the Brethren in Christ Church, from his column “Parting Words” in the Spring 2012 edition of In Part magazine.