There is a tendency in the church to emphasize a kind of faith that is willful and soulish: the kind of faith which tries to force God to act by sheer willpower and determination.  This kind of faith does not allow God to be gracious.  The faith that moves in the Spirit, the faith that leaves the outcome with God, the faith that does not try to force the issue, this kind of faith is what God has to teach us.  It is this kind of faith that takes a long time to develop because we think we can impose our will on God and get the answer to our prayers.

            I have had a great deal of struggle in my life trying to show God that he was justified in saving me and that by prayer, fasting, bible study, and works I would show God how right he was in saving me.  I still do those things but it is not out of pride or willpower but out of the peace of the Spirit of God.  This is a big difference.  I see many sincere people who think that they can coerce God to answer their prayer and have brought a lot of suffering into their lives.  At some point they have to let go and let God and just rest in his love and his will for their lives.