Denying oneself.

You see your enemy on the front line.

Pride kicks in. Muscles stiffen. Heart rate goes up a 100%.

You close your eyes and mutter a short haphazard prayer under your choppy breath.

"God... please!! Amen."

Then, out of humble submission of obedience..... you give in.

"Hello."

Denying yourself is the beginning of something wonderful. I was assured.
Faith comes with action. Without action, what good is faith?

"We please God by what we do and not only by what we believe" (James 2:24)

"And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while." (1 Peter 1:5-6)