Walking in ObedienceSample

Submit Yourself to God

You know when you step out—or are even just considering stepping out—in faith and there is that one person who speaks up to remind you of what you don’t have? Their voice is one of limitation, trying to mark the boundaries you must stay within. Often, this voice comes from someone who stays within limited boundaries themselves, and therefore, doesn’t fully step into a greater realm of authority in the area God has called them to.

In response to those people who are trying to keep us from moving forward, we can take a page from David’s book in 1 Samuel 17. As David inquired about the battle with Goliath and the reward that was being offered to whomever fought and won, his oldest brother was quick to set limitations, pointing David back to where he came from and accusing him of having narrow thoughts and selfish motives. David could have cowered or stepped back, thinking his brother was probably right. Instead, he turned away to someone else who would give the answer he was looking for and point him toward something greater than himself.

James 4 reiterates this practice by saying, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” By submitting to God, and only God, and by resisting the tactics of the enemy—to steal, kill, and destroy—the voices will flee. David doesn’t argue with his brother or try to defend himself. He remains submitted and humble, and as the Lord lifts him up, he is not torn down by the voices of the enemy.

Don’t settle for living under the approval or expectation of anyone other than God. They cannot lift you up; they can only bring you down.

First, name the negative voices in your life. It’s important to recognize who is quick to set limitations on you. Now consider who you might turn to when the negative voices speak up. Write down the names of those people who will point you to something greater than yourself and reach out to them when you hear the voice of limitation start piping up.