Stay In Your Lane

Written by Tammy Iund Woodard

2 Chronicles 20:15b - This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 

Have you ever heard the phrase “stay in your lane”?  It can often have a derogatory meaning but I’ve always thought of it as don’t borrow trouble. Don’t take on things that are not your responsibility.  1 Corinthians 3:6-9, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.”  I encourage you to read all of 1 Corinthians 3.  The early church was arguing/competing about who converted them.  They were followers of Apollos or Paul, etc.  Paul was pointing out that it really doesn’t matter who plants or waters.  Our “lane” is to share the message of the gospel.  In the end, it’s always God who brings the harvest.  Back to the story in 2 Chronicles, God reminded the people that the battle was God’s.  We do our part, we co-labor with God, but, the harvest, the battle, the victory is ALWAYS God’s.

This week at Centralia Community Church of God we are beginning a series about pursuing God and doing that through a personal relationship with Him.  It is important for us to understand our co-laboring responsibilities in this personal relationship with God.  Ephesians 6:13-14 says it like this: “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.”  Again, we partner with Christ by shodding ourselves with the armor of God, then we stand and let the battle be the Lord’s.

The Lord gave me a great lesson in this several years ago.  I was a single momma and dealing with stress and trauma.  My car broke down.  Now, prior to this particular incident, that is something that would have sent me right over the edge.  I would have worried and fretted and tried to figure out every possible way to take care of the problem.  I had been learning though about trusting God.  I had been learning about co-laboring with God.  So, I limped my car into the driveway, I got out, and as I walked into the house this was the “prayer” I prayed: “God, your car is broken.  I don’t know how you plan to fix it.  But let me know when you’ve figured it out.”  Yep, that was the only prayer I could manage.  For the first time ever, I didn’t crunch the numbers or try to make a plan.  I simply prayed and did my very best not to worry.  I knew I didn’t have funds for some huge repair bill.  I needed a car to get to work.  Well, God got His car fixed!  It was a true miracle the way all the details came together.  

I’m not always that great at trusting God or even at co-laboring with Him.  But I remind myself of the miracles of God in my life up to this point.

I want to encourage you in finding a personal relationship with God.  If you’ve been a Christ Follower, reflect back over your life and “count your blessings”.  Think about all the times God has come through for you.  Think about all the times that God did the impossible in your life.  What were the circumstances?  What was the prayer you prayed?  What was the “posture of your heart” during those times?  When times are tough, and we all know they are tough, it’s good to remind ourselves what co-laboring with God actually feels like.

If you don't have a personal relationship with God, if you are not a Christ Follower, I want to encourage you to reach out to Him.  He’s eager to be in a relationship with you.  He sent His son to die for you - because He so desperately wants to be in a relationship with you.  It’s the best relationship you’ll ever have.

Call To Action - Take time this week to pray, read the following scriptures and reflect:2 Chronicles 20

1 Corinthians 3

Ephesians 6

Reflection

What does co-laboring (or partnering) with God look like in your life?

What are the past blessings, miracles or answered prayers in your life?

What battles are you facing ? Pray and remind yourself that they are the Lord’s.