To refuse to make resolutions and vows;  for that is to trust in the flesh.

To expect to be blessed, though realizing more and more lack of worth.

To "hope to be better" (hence acceptable) is to fail to see yourself in Christ only.

To be disappointed with yourself,  is to have believed in yourself.

To be discouraged is unbelief,  as to God's purpose and plan of blessing for you.

The lack of Divine blessing, therefore, comes from unbelief, and not from failure of
devotion.

To preach devotion first, and blessing second, is to reverse God's order, and preach
law, not grace.

The law made the child of God's blessing depend on devotion; Grace confers undeserved,
unconditional blessing;

Our devotion may follow, but does not always do so, -in proper measure.

Adapted from "Principals of Spiritual Growth" by Miles Stanford