Seriously. Think about it. Who is writing your story? 

If you’ve been a believer for very long, you probably gave a quick answer: “The Lord.”

While that answer is 100% true, do we always live like we believe that truth? Today, I’m going to ask you to pause and consider whether you really believe that the Lord is writing your story.

93% of you reading this are from the United States. You are swimming in a culture of:

• The American Dream
• Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps
• You can do anything!
• You can be anything!
• Live your own truth!
• Don’t forget some self-care!

In that kind of culture, it is easy for self-sufficiency to creep in. I have found myself saying and believing that I can handle or accomplish all things. Afterall, I was raised to be an independent, strong woman. I can do anything. I will meet that deadline. I will achieve that goal. I have a strong work ethic. I can “pull myself up by my bootstraps.”  I am writing my own story!

And there it is…the problem.

Recognizing the Trap of Self-Sufficiency

The minute I allow my own work ethic to become the way to accomplishment, I crowd out my dependency on the Lord. Depending on the Lord ensures intimacy with the Lord.

I can hear you: “Isn’t a strong work ethic a good thing?”

Well, of course it is. Check out the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Israelites certainly had a strong work ethic, as they rebuilt the temple. However, they also had a strong dependency on the Lord. They knew He was writing their story.

As we continue to swim in our American culture, let’s consider some practical steps for creating space for the Lord to write our story. Let’s consider how we depend on the Lord.

Slow Down and Pause 

In our fast-paced culture, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Intentionally build in times of pause and reflection to listen for God’s leading. This could be through daily quiet times, weekly Sabbath rest, or periodic digital detoxes. These words are easier said than done, but goodness, are they necessary. Learn to say “no” to extra busyness. 

When my son was young, we worked hard to have him in only one extra curricular activity at a time. Granted, it was counter cultural not to have a long list of activities, and we still found ourselves over-extended at times. However, it was essential to finding margin and growing our relationship with the Lord.

Surrender Your Plans

In addition to slowing down, hold your goals, schedules, and to-do lists with an open hand. Regularly bring them to God and ask Him to guide your steps. Be willing to let go of your own agenda to follow His.

Several years ago in my professional life, I was on a mission to “climb the ladder.” I set goals. I worked hard. Eventually, I found myself burned out and ineffective. The Lord called me away from that job and humbled me in a job where my plans had to be more loose. I found myself continually just praying that the Lord would use me for His purposes. I’m not sure I would have chosen the path He put me on; however, He has shown me that His plans are better when I trust Him.

Rest in His Sovereignty

Finally, remember that God is in control, even when your circumstances feel uncertain. Trust that He is working all things together for your good and His glory. 

Again, I can write or say these words much easier than my heart can embrace them. I know the Truth. I know God is sovereign and good. Yet, when circumstances are hard, I want a 3-step plan to fix the hard. I want to be the one in control.

Recently, I found myself in a harder situation. I couldn’t fix the situation for those I lead, I couldn’t fix it for myself, and I couldn’t figure out a plan to get out of the problem. I remember praying and confessing my weaknesses. In that moment, I remembered that humility, service, and obedience to the Lord is my 3-step plan. Humility, service, and obedience are how I rest in the sovereignty of our gracious God.

This 3-step plan may not be a quick fix to a hard situation, but it is certainly a quick fix to my heart.

Choosing Radical Dependence

As you consider the story the Lord is telling through you, where do you land? Are you still trying to write your own story? Or are you willing to slow down, surrender, and rest in the One who writes the best stories.

The key is to shift our mindset from self-sufficiency to radical dependence on the Lord. As we create space for Him to write our stories, may we experience greater intimacy, peace, and purpose. 

Note: I seem to circle back to the theme in this post often. I’m sure I’m not the only one who needs regular reminders of who our God is. If you want more on this topic here are some older blog posts: Power Through vs. Pray Through: How to Embrace Strength, Peace In The Struggle: How to Fortify For Battle, Trust God’s Presence: Overcome Helplessness, and Embracing God’s Guidance: The Active Surrender in Waiting. Let me know in the comments which of these were most encouraging to you!

Maybe you read today’s words and found you need more encouragement in who God says you are. If so, be sure to check out my book on Amazon.

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Image painted by Tyra Harnishfeger with Let’s Make Art watercolor tutorial.