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I like how Paul likened Christian growth to the running of a race:

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: ( 1 Cor 9:24-26 )

As we come out of denial (step 1), trusting Jesus to be our guide (step 2-3), and start learning to live our lives according to His perfect will (step 3), we discover that our Father and His Son are full of compassion, wisdom, and love. We begin to see that the way of the cross (denial of self), while painful, is the only way to grow and excel spiritually. It's the only way to actually "win" the "race".

Now, I can say I'm a follower of Christ and I can say all the right things to make people think I am, but am I really...? I may even try to "run the race" of life on my own, and in my own strength. But when I do, I make a lot of mistakes and hinder the overall progress of Christ's "team". As Paul put it, I run as one that beats the air. It's like Jesus said, "...without me, you can do nothing" ( John 15:5 ).

But when I co-operate with Father God, when I listen to His "still small voice" ( 1 Kings 19:12 ) saying "this is the way, walk ye in it" ( Is 30:21 ), and turn my will over to Him (step 3) by choosing to obey, then He works in me to "will and to do of his good pleasure." ( Philippians 2:13 ) Ellen White put it this way:

"The heavenly intelligences will work with the human agent who seeks with determined faith that perfection of character which will reach out to perfection in action. To everyone engaged in this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you. As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings." {COL 332-333}

So, when I am weak (all the time) I find my strength in the Lord, as I trust I trust Him and obey His biddings.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. ( 2 Cor 12:9-10 )