“Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.” Proverbs 1:23 (NLT)
People love stories about superheroes rescuing citizens or princes in shining armour swooping in to save the day. Perhaps that’s why when facing hardships or unhappy situations, we often comfort ourselves with the hope that someone will rescue us.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not making light of those in society who are genuinely in trouble and need rescuing. I’m talking about when we begin thinking, “Someone will stand up to the office bully for me,” “One day, the right partner will make everything wonderful,” or even, “God will rescue me.”
It may surprise you, but there are some things God can’t rescue you from. For example, He can’t deliver you from an unrenewed mind. You must decide to work at it. God can’t rescue you from a marriage that needs spicing up. That’s in your hands—although, through His Word, He will gladly show you the best way to handle whatever you’re facing.
I’ve had people tell me, “Well, that sounds like work. I don’t mind listening at church, but I’d rather someone just fix my situation.” But sitting like a victim and waiting for deliverance is a sure-fire road to unhappiness. And, to a degree, it’s the easy way out. After all, why figure out how to overcome anything when you’re expecting someone else to rescue you from it?
The truth is, you have one life to live, and God is in your corner. The question is: what can you do about things? Regardless of your situation, keep digging into God’s Word and believing. Then get up, keep moving forward and let Holy Spirit guide you through with wisdom.
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