Oh goodness, friends. Today’s post just swerved into my lane in a good way. Sometimes rest feels impossible, and yet it’s waiting for us in our own lane.
Meet my #livingfreetogether friend, Gretchen. She’s a mom, wife, and a woman who loves encouraging women in their faith.
I love what she had to say. In fact, I’m going to read it a second time, and a third, because it has that much power to bring rest. ~ Suzie
“You are over-responsible”
. . . and with that, the marriage counselor labeled me.
Rightly so, I must admit.
When we are over-responsible, it just means that we try to do too much for others and try solve other people’s problems. It took conflict early in our marriage for me to identify this in me. In my effort to love my husband, I often tried to “fix” him. This caused him to feel disrespected and me to feel pressure to manage him.
As soon as I learned about this, I wholeheartedly agreed with my need to resist it.
However, understanding the label didn’t automatically remove it.
It is engrained in me to feel burdened on behalf of others. I struggle with feeling the need to “help” others carry the weight of their troubles or even going a step further to solve their problems for them.
And this is exhausting.
To me and everyone around me!
[bctt tweet=”Lord, help me to stay in my own lane. I’m not you, and you don’t expect me to be. #livingfreetogether #rest” username=”suzanneeller”]
It can cause anxiety from over-focusing on other people. It can cause frustration because they aren’t fixing their own problems the way we would, or at the rate we would. It can be a continuous strain for the over-responsible person.
But aren’t we supposed to get involved?
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
I learned quickly that yes we are supposed to help others but that is different than carrying their burdens for them. When we care more about a problem than they do, or when they are not asking for our advice or heeding it, then we may need to take a step back.
Jesus expects us to carry the responsibility for only one life, our life.
He actually refers to it as our cross to bear.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 ESV
“His cross” denotes a personal one, for each of us.
I cannot carry the full weight of burdens for someone else nor can they do that for me. Apart from Jesus bearing our full burden of sin and guilt on the cross, there are limits for each of us in this.
How can we understand these limits and more importantly, when we may be close to crossing them?
I learned a mental cue that helps me recognize those boundaries. I heard the phrase of “staying in my lane” from a co-worker and it clicked immediately for me. I was able to quickly picture when I was veering out of my lane and into others.
Two benefits quickly emerged.
First, I began to see how often I actually verge into God’s “lane”. Regrettably, I not only presented my requests to God, I advised Him on how He should handle them.
The Holy Spirit began to reveal the extent of my over-responsibility.
I was trying to manage God.
Second, I began to see the feelings brought on from my over-responsibility as running over the raised lane reflectors on the highway. When I veer outside my lane driving, I feel the vibrations as my tires cross the boundary. That thumping sound catches my attention and guides me back to safety.
[bctt tweet=”Father, correct my course. Help me to find peace in my own lane. #freedom #livingfreetogether #rest ” username=”suzanneeller”]
Now when my anxiety starts elevating, I can quickly associate that to my veering outside of my lane of responsibility to someone else’s.
I correct my course and find peace back in my own lane.
Gretchen
Meet Gretchen
I hope you’ll get to know Gretchen Fleming even better. She’s a speaker, Bible teacher, and writer. Jump over to her blog at gretchenfleming.com and follow her on Instagram.
Q: In what ways do you “get out of your lane?”
Q: Most people get out of their lane because they want to help. How can it be the opposite of helpful?
Q: What is the difference between helping and over-responsibility?
Love this, Gretchen! I also learned early-on in my marriage (praise God!) that I had a fixing problem. ha! Sometimes that tendency still raises its ugly head. But it truly is so freeing to realize that God really IS big enough! Giving God and everyone else their own lanes back helps me RECEIVE rest, and also helps me BE the rest that others need because I’m simply there to listen in the passenger’s seat. xoxoxo
RebeccaLynn, you were up late friend! 😉 Boy, oh, boy…those ugly heads that pop up from time to time. I hear you, sister. God is gracious AND big enough. I like what you said, “I’m simply there to listen in the passenger’s seat.” Key word, “listen.” Yes, it draws rest for us and them. Thank you, friend for sharing your thoughts.
I’m on Arizona time, so it wasn’t too late – thank goodness! LOL!! And after reading this, I decided to just stay up and work a little while on writing – pray for all the things I couldn’t “fix” – and then go to bed and trust that God had it all under control. 🙂
Yes so true! I heard the counselor say, “Gretchen, what if the best thing for ********** is to fail?” Wow! I was dumbfounded that “failing” could be a good thing, even the best thing!! Game-changer for sure that day! Helped me so often ever sense.
Yes!!! If we are always stepping in, maybe we’re actually taking away the very path that will lead others to their knees! That’s where I’ve met Jesus in the most transforming ways. So why would I stop others from meeting Him there? Great article and insight, Gretchen! xoxoxo
RebeccaLynn I love this: “Giving God and everyone else their own lanes back helps me receive rest, and also be the rest that others need because I’m simply there to listen in the passengers seat.” You hit the nail on the head!! I, too, used to try to “fix” my husband early in our marriage-when I finally woke up I realized I had lots of fixing to be done too and it could only be done by Jesus!! Life is so much more peaceful when we stay on our own lane!!
Amen, Nancy! xoxoxo
“I was trying to manage God,” Wow, Gretchen, you’ve nailed it. Over-responsibility is a big thing for me. (God’s speaking to me on this very topic as I read Glynnis Whitwer’s soon-to-be-released Doing Busy Better.”)
I love that image of caring more about someone’s problem than THEY do! Yikes! As I seek to encourage younger women, I like the word “empower.” Sometimes we can help someone by making them more aware of their options, presenting a different picture of what life could be. But we have to hold things lightly, let people know we want them to feel free to make their own decisions, and trust God to take control. SO hard, but I like to think I’m learning a wee bit. 🙂
Betsy, I am with you, friend. I dig the word “empower” because it brings the focus back on the person struggling and gives them a visual word to help them see they have the strength to move on. Especially if the “empower” is hand in hand with God. It helps remove us from the equation. Happy Monday, Betsy.
Glad to hear it Betsy! Yes mentoring others can make this scenario even more tempting and tricky. Thank goodness for the Holy Spirit to bring to light when we are out of our lane even for the best of reasons:)
Gretchen, mirror, mirror on the wall the reflection of fixing is staring back at me. This is so me in many ways. Thank you for your insight and wisdom. I love the visual you gave us to stay in our own lane. Not just other people’s lanes but God’s too. God calls me a back seat driver too much I am sure. Father, show me and remind me when I need to, “correct my course.” Amen
Thank you, Gretchen
My pleasure Michele! I drive from the backseat as well😉😂
Amen Michele!! Praying for you as you trust Jesus to take the wheel!!
Caring more about someone else’s problems is tough, because to them they may not even see they have a problem. I find it hard and exhausting when I try to do that. God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, leave the fixin’ to Him.
Amen Shirley!
This is right on for me today. I have been directing as I’m praying. Hmmm. Thank you Lord for speaking to me to day. I’m exhausted for going into other lanes.
You said it Jody! How long have we been directing God and others?! Goodness I am exhausted from it and ready to stay in my own lane:)
Codependent- I was trying to empower God!! Bullseye!! Wow 😳 will reread this often – staying in my sandbox
Me too, Denise. I think I need to print this one out. “Stay in my sandbox.” Giggle.
You said it Denise! Exactly:)
Wow!! All I can say is God is speaking to me :). Thank you for sharing today, Gretchen!
Amen, Desiree. He is speaking to me too.
Praise His Name ! So grateful to hear freedom ringing Desiree and Maribeth!!
Yes, I know this about myself, but how do I deal with the frustration while I watch the train wreck happening in front of me? Prayer must be the answer; am I correct, ladies? Prayer for patience, wisdom, and guidance through the Holy Spirit? I hope so!
Yes, Pamela. Prayer gives us the power to ask and receive assistance from His Spirit to cultivate patience and the “sure knowledge” that God can do all.
Pamela, I know for myself that was most difficult, witnessing what was happening in front of me. Whether this was from my husband or my children or others, I had to learn to take a step back as I began to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. I would confess my hope and faith in Christ as I committed the issue at hand. I would pray and recite Scripture applicable to the situation. I would also read my Bible as that would calm me down drastically. I began keeping a gratitude journal to help me to focus on what God was doing that was good and right (as in Philippians 4 describing to be thankful and focus on the good and lovely). Worship music also helped me when I was emotionally in turmoil. I would play it and worship along and it had a huge impact on me emotionally as I sought to praise Him in the midst of any storm raging. These practices helped me the most when I felt most helpless to fix what was out of control at times.
Absolutely Pamela!! Prayer and relying on the promises of God. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and loves and cares for you. He loves and cares for those around you that seem to be on a distructive path, as you pray daily and release them to Jesus you will see frustration replaced with peace. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. How can we rejoice in these train wreck situations? We rejoice because we know that God is with them, he is allowing circumstances so that they will see their need for him and we know he loves us and our loved ones. Praying for you today to have peace in the midst of these circumstances.
Pamela, you are right. That is so hard. Prayer is powerful and effective. Watching someone handle the consequences of their own actions is more than painful. It hurts our heart because we know that God has better. We speak truth, but with Holy Spirit gentleness. We don’t clean up the messes for which they are responsible. We wear our knees out in war over their hearts and souls. We place them in God’s hands.
This past week I received a letter from a young woman I love a lot. It was from prison. She said, “Prison saved me, Suzie.” Those aren’t the words I prayed to hear. I prayed for a very difference scenario, and yet prison is where she rediscovered Jesus, and life. So my prayers are changing. “Do what you need to do to bring them to the cross.” That’s my prayer.
Thanks for this devotion. I know lots of times I have wanted to be a fixer of other’s problems especially my children. I do know that is impossible for us to do,but God can. Burdens are lifted at Calvary. Romans 12:12 ” Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Elise, “Burdens are lifted at Calvary.” Amen. I would love to permanently post that statement on my heart and mind.
Amen Elsie! Only at Calvary!
Elsie, I often lean on and remember Matt 19:26 “and Jesus said, ‘With man this is impossible but with God ALL things are possible.’ There are so many times in my life where things looks totally impossible but God made them possible. Praying God does the seemingly impossible for your children and that you find great joy and peace as you trust him.
Thanks for sharing Gretchen.thanks for giving us this opportunity to win.prayer request need a job and this housing situation isn’t working.
My pleasure Noelle and praying now!
Noelle, Joining you in prayer for your employment and housing situations. I pray that God brings you to the perfect position that will not only provide for your physical needs but also bring joy to you. I pray, also, that your housing situation will improve and your home can be your place of peace and comfort.
Lord, will you open a door for Noelle to work and to have a safe home for her and her family? We thank you for caring for her needs, and for loving her so well. Walk with her daily. Speak to her heart. Hold her close. In Jesus’ name.
Thank you, Gretchen. What a wonderful post for all of us who struggle to “stay in our own lanes.” I confess that I am a “fixer” and a “helper” from way, way back. Now, through you, Gretchen, God has revealed this area in my own life that needs lots of work.
Glad to help Maribeth. I have found over-responsible people are not born but created as we are around under-responsible people. We have to recognize our tendency in order to resist it. I have learned to quickly associate my feelings of frustration to crossing over my lane boundaries. This helps me to cease more rapidly my veering into other lanes. 😉
I love this post, Gretchen. You have brought wisdom and hope to #livingfreetogether today. Thank you for that.
What a timely message! Trying to manage my boyfriend and his chronic illnesses and that so frustrated that he does not seek medical treatment. Trying to help my daughter who has anxiety and bipolar disease and substance abuse problems can be draining emotionally. Thanks!
Amen Cheryl! Being over-responsible when others are under-responsible is truly draining. Rest comes as we let others be responsible for themselves and look to God to shepherd them as only He can.
Cheryl, Praying with you this morning as you realize the need to release your boyfriend and daughter to God’s care. As difficult as it is sometimes to stand by and watch our loved ones go through situations we know they don’t need to we can have some comfort in knowing that even in these situations God has a plan for them. He has them in the palm of his hand as they walk their journey. Praying for you to have comfort and peace today and everyday.
Oh my goodness! This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. I’m struggling with my husbands alcohol addiction and driving myself crazy! This post reminds me I need to PRAY and let God handle it! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Oh sweet, Marissa. Thank you for reaching out and allowing us to pray with you. Sweet Father in Heaven, we lift Marissa and her family to you. We pray over her husband as he struggles with alcohol addiction. Such a strong hold. We pray for freedom over your son. We pray for Marissa as she seeks wisdom from you. Please let her know you are with her and proud of her moving forth with you and asking for prayer from others. You are our Mighty Lord and we lean into you right now for our sister in Christ. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen
I’m so glad this was helpful for you Marissa. I have found it tests my self-control to cease “helping” so much but what freedom it brings. To allow God to be God and me to just bear my own weight of responsibility is life changing. Praying for you friend as you seek to do the same:)
Marissa, Praying for you this morning in agreement with all Michele prayed and that today you will have peace that surpasses all earthly understanding as you seek and trust God with your husbands addictions.
Marissa, I also have extended family that struggles with alcoholism. It’s hard to watch someone you love self-destruct. I’m praying with you today (and for my own loved one) that God will speak hope, healing, and transformation over their lives. Alcohol is rarely the source of pain, but the source of numbing it. Praying that God reveals the hurt and steps into it, to bring new life and a new way of finding hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.
WOW!! This really hits home. After many years of wanting to “fix” my husband, I realized it was not my job. Unfortunately, he didn’t want to change and God took me out of the situation. We have been separated and I wanted to work things out, however he is on the same destructive path. I am raising 2 children that rarely see him and I do my best to keep it positive for them. I felt as a weight lifted. I gave it all to God and He has provided for my family and see us through some tough times. I am learning to listen more and stay in my own lane. Thank you for sharing this.
What a powerful story Jennifer! Thank YOU for sharing how God has taught you some of the same lessons and how He is providing for you.
What a powerful message I needed to hear today. I am guilty of getting out of my lane all the time. I need to remember this whenever I feel the need to bear anothers burden or try to fix them. God bless you.
Thank you Missee:) This is my knee-jerk reaction too often but I am learning to recognize when I cross the boundary lines sooner. Praying you will as well! Blessings to you Missee:)
Missee, it’s confusing when we believe deep down that we are helping, and yet there is a distinct difference. I asked a friend the other day, “Does this feel like freedom?” She said it always ended in guilt, or hard feelings, or resentment because she’s doing what she thinks is right and it backfires. That’s not freedom, and such a gentle invitation to do what we can do, and allow God to do his part. It’s a powerful message we all need to hear. <3
Love the question, “Does this feel like freedom?” Suzie. One to think about when we are wanting to give advice or fix others.
Thank you Gretchen for being transparent with your journey. I have wanted to save the world since I was a very little girl. I’m am hypersensitive to people’s emotions especially sadness and pain around me. I feel drawn to make their pain go away. my friendships now and then are trying to stand by or fix them. My first step to staying in my own lane was learning my children each had their own journey. I cannot carry their pain or burdens because I would be doing them a disservice I’m trying to hold true to that. However, that doesn’t stop me from trying help carry other peoples burdens including guests in a homeless shelter I volunteer at. Having said all that, thank you for defining what I am doing and putting me back in my own lane. God has been trying to reel me in for a little while now. I have Fibromyalgia and at 58 my body just cant take the stress anymore. The one who pays is ultimately my husband. I am still learning .I have a really active brain and a strong will that often overrides the shoulds. In gods grace, alone time with the Lord and lots of prayer I am getting there. In this process I am also learning prayer is powerful and not a last resort. Thank you for listening.
Praying for you, Sue! It sounds like God is already giving you amazing insight. He will help you and strengthen you. Prayer is absolutely powerful – and like someone wrote recently, it’s our greatest asset though often used as a last resort. It’s amazing to know that all of Heaven is working together to serve our prayers! The Spirit intercedes, the Son advocates, the Father listens and answers, and even angels are directed concerning us! I’m so sorry you are going through pain and hardship. May the Lord strengthen you and remind you that it’s okay, and very good, to simply do what you can – no more, and no less. It sounds like you have an enormous heart! I’ve learned that using my HEART is sometimes more powerful than using my physical ability. Pray … and know that God will answer all things asked in His name! xoxoxo
I so understand Sue! I get so squirmy witnessing others in their suffering. I just can’t take it. I want to rush in and alleviate their pain asap. But God…….He is patiently teaching me that He is in control and I am to love without interfering or taking on responsibility not mine to bear. Boy what a work in progress it is isn’t Sue?! But this is where we find the peace He promises is available to us- when we stay in our lane and let God be God.
This devotion really hit home with me today. I needed this so badly. I am a fixer and it brings me so much anxiety at times. I need to stay in my own lane and let God take care of it. I really need prayer about this because I am going through some tough times right now. Thank You!
Father, take hold of Janice right this moment. Let her know that she can rest in Your strength and Your abilities. Remind her that You foresaw her life and ordained each day for her. You will direct her on a good and prosperous path. She only needs to trust in You! Give her clarity and direction. Help her to see the things You are doing as they unfold. Remind her that neither height, depth, or anything else can separate her from Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen. xoxoxo
I understand how anxiety elevates when we are doing this. That is when I know Janice that I am veering out of my lane and into someone else’s. Then I commit the matter/person concerning me to the Lord through prayer and I read my Bible or worship with some great songs and that certainly makes a difference with my anxiety. When I begin to feel that pressure building in my emotions, I literally come before the Father with it and give it to Him. The Word says to cast our cares upon Him and that I do. Sometimes many times in the same day!
*GULP*
Well, this has my name written all over it. Thank you for this powerful reminder, Gretchen. God knows I needed it! WOWZA!
I love you and your words!
Thank you so much Crystal! God knows I’ve learned plenty of lessons because if there was a wrong way to go about something, that is the way I usually chose to do it. I find that as a woman, somehow being over-responsible is second nature almost. 😉😘
gulp is right – I love the two “signals” which can alert me that I’m swerving where I’m not meant to be swerving! Over control – over God and anyone else – doesn’t solve or fix a thing and just puts me in a fix. sigh. Thanks, Gretchen. Great post meant for all mothers and wives…xx
PS One way I do this is to offer advice before being asked. Another way is to lose peace over the fact that they aren’t following said golden advice. . .
Sue, I do the “advice sharing” with my grown kids and the do not appreciate “the golden advice.” Something I am working on and trying to let go. I get you, sister-friend.
You hit the nail on the head Sue- giving advice without being asked for it and getting all in a “wad” when they don’t do what I have suggested, most likely over and over again. Lol That is exactly what trips me up most often. Then my emotions can’t take listening to other people complain about their troubles. I have had to back away from people who only want to vent to me but never really consider how they need to change themselves in order to improve their situation. A person can only listen to so much complaining before we are weighed down ourselves. Thanks for your encouragement Sue😉❤️
Oh Gretchen! You hit the nail on the head! Just this past Friday, I was micromanaging my husband. 🙁 He is at a crossroads like never before and can’t really see the next step. It’s excruciating to see him in this situation. So, being the “manager” I crave to be, I began writing out statistics and numbers for him, ideas and of course-my OWN, VERY STRONG opinions on what he should do. This led to hurtful feelings on his end. I’m not proud to admit that. After confiding in two dear friends, they showed me that I really can’t do that for him. If he needs me help, then that’s one thing. But for me to just take over and “manage” what God might not want me to “manage”, I created havoc. What I felt God whispering (or was He shouting??) to please move out of the way so He could work on my husband and THEY could figure it out. I can support him, encourage him, continue to love him where he’s at. But, I cannot micromanage and plan his entire future. It’s so hard right now, but I know what I have to do. Stand beside him as God works with him. Thank you, Gretchen, for this post. It spoke volumes to me!
I have struggled with this too. Thanks for your honesty. <3
Rochelle, I have definitely struggled with this-one day, as I was praying, no begging God to change my husband, make him more on fire, God spoke to my heart and said “I will as soon as you let go and let me do it,” OUCH!!! Of course, God was right but gosh sometimes it is hard when we are watching it all unfold!! Joining you in prayer as you let Jesus guide your husband and you too!!
I’m so glad you were served by this post Rochelle:) I too have such a hard time as a natural leader of not plowing over my husband who doesn’t have as strong of a leadership personality as I do. Since I am a planner and a fixer 🙄🙄🙄 I can run right over someone taking too long to solve a problem. 🙀So recently my youngest son shared something he learned from His pastor, ask questions instead of making suggestions. This encourages their leadership without us trying to manage them.
Such good words, Gretchen! I love the mental picture of the lane reflectors telling us when we’ve crossed over.
Thanks Lisa! Yes I hear those thumping sounds often but thankfully I am learning to correct my course sooner now. Lol
Awesome words! Thank you so much for this Gretchen!
My pleasure Dyana!
Good words! I never had given much thought to connecting over responsibility with perhaps disrespecting someone else–very powerful.
Thank you Deanna!
This is me, this is me, this is me!!! Oh, how I veer into God’s lane (and others’ lanes) so very often!!! Thank you, Gretchen, for your devotion today!!! I will keep this one for sure!!!
Hi Dori, I think it might be a women’s make-up, what do you think? My hand is raising high too, haha.
Me too! Me too! LOL This was great insight for all of us, I think!
So glad this helped you today Dori! It has certainly been life changing for me:) Who would have thought “helping” could be so troublesome?! The more I thought about it, the more I noticed women in the Word that did it as well. Sarah and Rebekah are two prime examples.
Oh boy is this me! I actually saved a picture that said If I’m trying to fix you, How can God work on me? And that was from one of Ms. Eller’s post. I loved it! I am always trying to do God’s work! Not because I don’t think He is capable but I have a hard time trusting that He will do what’s best and resting in it. But I am slowly learning the more I say, Not MY Will, but your’s be done, it is best. I believe God knows us better than we know ourselves, And we can REST in that.
Jessica, please call me Suzie. I smiled at the Ms. Eller reference! : )
Amen Jessica!! It is really a test of our own faith. Do we believe what we say we believe? I know when I get squirmy over someone suffering, I better watch myself or I will cross a boundary.
Has my name all over it too! Praying to get this balancing act down by God’s grace! It is especially difficult when it comes to my son and his family who don’t go to church and don’t appear to be teaching the children much about Christianity.
Yes that is a tough one. I have learned to pray every time my hand and mouth want to engage, letting my impulses drive me to His throne instead of veering into the lanes of others.
Hi Gretchen! Thanks so much for this powerful reminder today! As some have already mentioned, my tendency is to spread around my “advice” and then judge people for not taking my wise words to heart! I try to stay in my own lane, but it certainly is difficult sometimes to sit back and let God be God! It sounds ridiculous to say it out loud, but often I step on God’s toes and I am thankful for the reminder that it’s best to take a different approach to difficult situations and just REST in God’s timing and his plans for the problem. Thanks!
Amy, I love that “often I step on God’s toes..” you and me both!! Isn’t it wonderful that God’s feet are big enough to withstand all that toe stepping while we grow in him?!!
Yes Amy I get this! But what has helped me is when a counselor said, “Gretchen, what if the best thing for ****** is to fail?” Gosh I had never thought of that!! I thought of the prodigal son and so many others in the Bible that “failed” and how that gave God great opportunities that otherwise, the people were not open to. I have had to repent often of spreading advice never asked for and then judgpeople over it. Relationships are certainly used to refine us in the process! Lol
I HAVE A TENDANCY TO DO THAT WITH MY CHILDREN, I WORRY ABOUT THEM AND MY GRANDCHILDREN, WORRY ABOUT THEIR SOULS AND WANTING THEM TO CHOOSE CHRIST SO THEY CAN BE IN HEAVEN. I KNOW SOMETIMES I MAKE THINGS WORSE INSTEAD OF BETTER…..PUSH THEM AWAY INSTEAD OF DRAWING THEM CLOSE. I HAVE TO PRAY AND LEAVE IT TO GOD. TO TRUST IN THE WORDS OF GOD THAT CHILDREN WILL RETURN TO THE BELIEFS THEY WERE RAISED WITH.
Vickie, Praying that God will give you strength, wisdom and the courage to trust Him with your children and grandchildren. Lord, help Vickie be a living example, by her actions and not necessarily her words, of how wonderful it is to live in you and that because of her light and joy they will want to live lives that glorify you. I ask you, Lord, to comfort Vickie’s heart as she waits on you to draw your children back into the light. I thank you Lord for Vickie and all you are doing in her life, In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Well said Vicki! It is challenging to know when to speak and when to just pray. I find as much as God permeates my perspective on life and issues, it is only a natural feeling to refer to Him or the Bible in my conversation. I have had to hold back many a time but at the same time, if I do mention Him, I try to do it without any condemnation toward the other people but only regard for God.
I am bad about doing this both with my kids and the people that work around me. I’m quick to jump in with a solution without really paying attention to the situation. recently I came to realize how I do this with God also. I tend to tell Him on multiple occasions how I think He should handle things. Thank you for this post!
My pleasure Jem! I understand your tendencies acutely. 😉
I have an unspoken prayer request. Thank you for the chance to win.
Julie, Joining ,you in prayer for your unspoken prayer request-God knows the details and I trust He will move, on your behalf, with the answer that is His will for you and this situation. Have a blessed day!
Lifting you up Julie🙏
When I first saw this ” Staying in your own lane” I immediately thought of. .. my thoughts, mouth, my heart. Thank you for this, it totally grabbed me got my attention
So glad Jeri:)
Thanks for hosting Gretchen’s wise words here, Suzie. So good and confirmation on what God is telling me too. 🙂
Blessings Katie😉😊
This article was so timely as I am meeting with a friend in a difficult situation (health and relationship issues). I want to minister to her needs, but know that all she wants is my presence to give her the validation that she is loved by me and by our Lord Jesus. I will keep in my own lane and let the Lord minister to her for her specific needs. Thanks for the timely illustration of being driving correctly through life without being a “fixer” for others.
My pleasure Kathy. I’m a visual learner so God really used it to help me recognize my boundaries.
As always Gretchen has a reminder for me. I can’t fix everything or everyone, and so many people want help their way not God’s. I had to let go, leave them to heaven, even close the door on some of the trash being heaped into my life. I even blamed myself, ” If I were a better example, more successful, nicer to them. ” All the accuser of the brethren. I even wrote a poem recently about being a daughter of the King and it had line about Jesus putting me on a pedestal and throwing my cross away, I questioned it actually, thinking we had a cross to bear, but the Holy Spirit was clear, ” Leave it. ” Only Jesus could carry the cross, and we were crucified with Him.
Rebecca, might I take your wording a step further, “Our sins are crucified with Him.” I find that so comforting. Only Jesus. Powerful and promising words.