How to stay out of the way

A cable must remain in a state of great tension in order to support the weight of the balancing performer. I too feel tension. Either I want to use my words to take control or I want to use my words to say, “OK, fine. See you never.” To say anything that God might use in some small way to help another see requires that I walk amidst tension. A highly practiced individual may walk a narrow cable with such apparent ease that no one is aware of the tension. Only by the supernatural grace of God can I exude love and peace while walking in great tension. If the tension of my wanting to take control runs the show, aggressive words will flow and increase the tension between us to the level that the other person no longer hears and maybe flees. Or maybe I cave in under the tension that my foolish desires for control have produced and I run away from the one who can’t see. Oh God help! Make me lie down in green pastures and walk beside quiet waters. You are Lord, you are in control. I want to serve, please speak through me that others might see Christ.

Why I get in the way

It seems that one reason I get in the way is that I somehow believe the force of my logic or the sharp edge to my words will bear fruit in others' lives. This obviously reveals a false hope in my ability rather than trust in the only true hope which is in God alone. I get in the way because I have deluded myself into thinking that I have to do something. But I have no power to effect lasting change at the level of the heart of another. God has not given me that responsibility. My speaking truth in love may be a part of what he is doing in someone else’s life or not.

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah 17:7 Father, I do not want to continue to be a hindrance in other people’s life. I do want to offer the hope of the gospel and I know I must do so by faith in you. I pray for your help in understanding how to be a part of what you’re doing and trusting solely in your great goodness.

When I get in the way

One of the biggest obstacles to my speaking truth to others in a helpful way has been my personal response to the other person's issue. Yes, you can very quickly say, "Ah ha, you're just judgmental." And many times that's true. However, by the grace of God I am attempting to grow beyond legalistic judgmentalism in order to speak to others in a way that might help them in their life. Is it judgmental to steer a visually impaired person around a dangerous obstacle that wasn't in their path yesterday?

My fear or concern for the well being of another quickly morphs into sinful anxiety. At that point I am rendered nearly useless as an instrument of truth speaking. I will very likely distort the very truth I desire to speak by my fearful and unbelieving heart attitude. Oh Lord, help.