1 Kings 13: Where Our Hope Belongs

"And this thing (idol worship) became the sin of the house of Jeroboam to blot it out and eliminate it from the face of the earth."1 Kings 13:34 AMP

When I read this, I couldn’t help but stop and ask, Lord, what is my thing? The thing that holds me back? The thing standing between You and me?

For Jeroboam, it was the high places. For me this week, it’s been the timing, the words, the details—especially in the middle of negotiating new listings, getting contracts under way, and making sure every step in the process is handled just right. I’ve stressed over saying things perfectly, chasing the right moment to reach out, running through every scenario to secure the deal. Don’t get me wrong—my work matters. I want to steward it well and do it as if I’m doing it for the Lord, but what a reminder for me today there’s a fine line between stewarding something faithfully and slipping into the belief that my effort is where the breakthrough comes from. That if I get every detail perfect, the outcome will be secure OR even the notion I did it!

I know better. My hope can’t be in my performance or my ability to close a deal. Deals, deadlines, and even the “win” of a signed contract can’t be my Savior—and they’ll never deliver the fulfillment I think they will.