Getting Out of God’s Way
What might life be like if we just got out of The Creator’s way? I often forget that God has a plan for me and my life. And that plan involves and intertwines with other people and the plan God has for them as well. I don’t even realize it when I’m standing right in the way. God’s trying to do His work, for me, and I’m obnoxiously looking over His shoulder asking dumb questions. Either that or I’m camped out in the middle of the work zone with my headphones on, staring at the sky with my mind in Mexico. How will I ever get my life together that way? I need to help, not hinder.
What are the ways we hinder God when He’s trying to work in our lives?
Ignoring Godly Nudges
The Holy Spirit guides us in the direction we are to go, but if we aren’t in tune with The Holy Spirit (or we flat out ignore Him) we’re not going to do things the best way. So, how does one get in tune with The Holy Spirit? By reading and studying God’s word, The Bible.
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 KJV
Compartmentalizing
If you are a Christian, you’re a Christian 100% of the time, not just on church days. So many times we put our Christianity into a box that we pull out when we want to. I’ve been a Christian many years but I still catch myself doing this at times. If something is acceptable to you on Friday night but repulses you on Sunday morning you have a problem with compartmentalizing and it’s a hinderance to God’s work in your life.
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27 KJV
Not Asking for Directions
How are we to know the way to go if we don’t ask? He’s holding the map! If you don’t check with the map holder now and then you’re wandering around blindly. Good luck getting to your destination that way. No wonder our lives aren’t where we want them to be!
“O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23 KJV
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Psalm 32:8 KJV
Witholding Grace
God’s grace was freely given to us. It’s our job to give it back into the world. It’s a unique gift in that it multiplies when you give it away. You’ll always have more you can give. When we’re unforgiving of peoples’ mistakes we’re not being true to the grace that was given to us. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone. Even people who read their Bible every day. Even preachers and Sunday school teachers. Even parents and spouses. We all are undeserving of grace. And that’s what makes it such a wonderful gift. Unforgiveness will hinder God’s work in your life.
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:13 KJV
Holding Burdens
We were only made to carry so much, then we need God to carry the rest. When we don’t give our burdens to Him we suffer with anxiety, sleepless nights, poor health, and irritability that can affect our relationships. That’s not the life God has planned for you or me or anyone else, that’s the existence we made for ourselves.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
Giving in to Fear
Fear of the unknown and trust in God go hand in hand. Being totally fearless is a very difficult thing. We know that God gave us a brain and He wants us to use it to help ourselves but we can’t use that reasoning to justify being too afraid to live the Christian life and do as God asks us to do. We must remember that fear is the enemy’s weapon to keep us from doing as we should. Be in tune with God by prayer and study and know His voice. When God reveals His plan for you, know He can make it happen and leave fear behind.
“ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
Imagine how different your life could be if you got out of God’s way and let Him do His work in you. What would you accomplish? Who could you help? How would it affect the people closest to you? God has a plan for your life. Stay out of His way and watch Him work.
