This profound reflection underscores the intimate relationship between divine mercy and human effort. It emphasizes that while human beings actively participate in their journey—working and striving—the true source of their progress and salvation is God's unwavering mercy. The imagery of mercy going before us and following us paints a picture of divine grace as both the initiator and sustainer of our spiritual journey. Before we realize our need for healing, God's mercy is already present, offering hope and restoration. Once we are healed, it perpetuates following us, ensuring that our renewed life is sustained and directed towards eternal life. Similarly, being called by God involves divine initiative, and subsequent glorification is rooted in His grace following our obedience. Living devoutly, then, is made possible by grace that precedes our actions, guiding us towards righteousness. This underscores a dependence on divine grace not just at moments of need but as a continuous support system—an ongoing partnership where human effort is incomplete without divine involvement. The closing statement, 'for without him we can do nothing,' encapsulates the core Christian teaching that divine empowerment is essential for any meaningful spiritual endeavor. It calls believers to humility, reminding us that our strength and ability to live rightly are gifts from God, ultimately grounding our hope, purpose, and existence in His mercy and grace.