John 7:24,  "Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly."

Think

"We all have a level of dysfunction in our lives, because we have all dissed God's function for our lives." When a boat is traveling through the water and gets stuck, the people in the boat have a few options. They can try to rock their way out. They can rev the engine in an effort to get out. Or they can pull out the paddles and try to muscle their way out. But the only real way to get fully unstuck is to go sub-surface, to dive into the water, discover the cause of the hang-up, and do the work to solve the issue. One of the most difficult things to do in life is be honest with ourselves about the issues we deal with. It's so much easier to simply try to fix the problems on the surface. But as we read today, the Bible challenges us to "look beneath the surface" so that we can discover what is truly keeping us from moving forward. The fact is, we are all stuck in one way or another; whether we are stuck emotionally, relationally, financially, or spiritually. On some level, we all deal with complacency and lack of growth. But God doesn't want us to live that way. He wants us to experience the ultimate freedom and purpose we have in Him. And when we dive deep and discover the real issues we face, we'll also discover the plan and function God has to get us unstuck and moving ahead!

 

Act

Going sub-surface is difficult. But you don't have to do it alone. Right now, reach out to someone you can trust and ask them to pray with and for you this week as you do the hard work to free yourself from those things that are hanging you up.

 

Pray

Dear God, I admit that there are areas in my life where I am stuck. And while You see the root cause, so often I ignore it. Right now, I ask You to give me the strength and discipline I need this week to go sub-surface and face the real issues in my life head-on. Thank You in advance for the work You are going to do in and through my life! In Jesus' name, Amen.