My Wills vs. God's Mercy

[S] Romans 9:16 --  ¹⁶So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.

[O] The two words "wills" and "mercy" contrasts each other because the "wills" described man's own efforts while "mercy" referred to God's offering regardless of man's efforts (good or bad). So, why am I trying so hard to live out my Christian life?  Yes, I should try my best to do that, but is there a way I can over do this beyond what pleases God?  From this verse, I find that if I am not under God's mercy, then my will-power and efforts alone will not produce the results that pleases God, or even impact the world in any way.  Today's passage is connected to yesterday's verse where emphasizing leaning on God's offerings first is crucial in living out my life which will please God and also to become the effective conduit for achieving His purposes on earth.

[A] As I face some significant changes in the small group ministry at our church, God's been whispering into my ears through these passages that He's (still) in control and not what I do but how much I lean on Him will make the difference in the end.  I will lean on Him 100%, each and every day.

[P] Dear God, Your awesome timing of encouragement is just blowing me away.  Thank You and I will continue to abide and lean on You. Please carry me through as I do that.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.