Stop Getting in the Way

 Stop Getting in the Way

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

Have you ever felt like you're trying to control every aspect of your life, only to find that things aren't working out as planned? You're stressed, anxious, and feeling overwhelmed. But what if I told you that the problem isn't the circumstances, but rather your own efforts to control them?

Letting Go of Self-Reliance

In Psalm 78:41-42, we read:

"Again and again they tested God, and provoked the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember his power, or the day when he redeemed them from the enemy."

The Israelites forgot God's power and tried to take control of their own lives. But when we rely on ourselves instead of God, we get in the way of His plans.

Trusting in the Lord

Proverbs 3:5-8 reminds us:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil."

When we trust in the Lord and submit to Him, He will make our paths straight. We don't have to have all the answers or control every outcome.

Abiding in Christ

In John 15:5, Jesus says:

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

When we abide in Christ, we bear much fruit. But when we try to do things on our own, we get in the way of God's plans.

Stop Getting in the Way

So, what does it mean to stop getting in the way? It means:

Letting go of self-reliance and trusting in God's power
Submitting to God's plans and purposes
Abiding in Christ and relying on His strength

When we stop getting in the way, we allow God to work in and through us. We bear much fruit, and our paths are made straight.

Reflection Questions

What areas of your life are you trying to control?
How can you let go of self-reliance and trust in God's power?
What does it mean to abide in Christ and rely on His strength?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to stop getting in the way of Your plans. Teach us to trust in Your power and submit to Your purposes. Help us to abide in Christ and rely on His strength. In Jesus' name, Amen.