“O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Isaiah 37:16
Getting Out Of God's Way
God doesn't need you or me to take up His "slack".
Sounds ridiculous.
Yet we find heroes of the faith through the scriptures, doing just this with tragic results.
Moses slapped the rock because God didn't come through.
Saul takes spoils from a battle to please his men against God's directions.
During Jesus' day, the rulers added ritual upon ritual to mandate 'holiness'.
Many times, I have done the same.
Instead of doing what is right or challenging in a relationship, I have tried to manipulate the outcome.
I've overworked in discipleship, trying to 'move' someone to a place where neither they nor God is ready for them.
That's like trying to teach a six-month-old to walk!
Or continue to pray 'worry' prayers when God says to let go.
When we take up the slack, we shorten the distance God wants to move.
Our part is simply and always to be obedient through faith in doing and saying what He leads.
Then, in that same faith, let go.
What looks like slack to us is leaving God the room to be glorified in every situation and relationship.
Remember, God works in you and through you to will and do of His good pleasure.
In what ways, through circumstances and relationships, are you trying to help take up God's slack?
Lord, may we act on the faith that You have given us to hear and see you leading us to do only our part. Forgive us for trying to do Your part. To You and You alone is the glory. Amen