I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, stretching out the heavens by Myself and spreading out the earth all alone (Isaiah 44:24, NASB).
In the book of Isaiah, God repeatedly makes statements like this: “I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God” (45:5, NASB). It seems as if that should be obvious. We may feel like responding, “Duh! Of course there is no other!”
But God does not waste His words, and He has good reason to include this significant point and repeat it multiple times throughout the book of Isaiah. It is necessary to remind us that He is God, because we so quickly act as if He is not. At times, we even try to be our own god.
Rarely do we admit it, or are probably even aware of it, when we are attempting to play God or step into His position. But every time we choose to disobey Scripture, every time we take things into our own hands or decide to go our own way, we are dethroning God and stepping into that role ourselves. God does not need our help in running the universe—He stretched it all out and put it into place all by Himself. But we sure try to give Him advice all along the way!
What are some ways we might attempt to play God? Perhaps you can relate to some of these:
- When we accept a job offer without seeking God and asking Him to lead us...we are playing God.
- When we need to clean our house but choose to lie in front of the TV instead...we are playing God.
- When we know God commands us to treat our husband with respect but we choose to speak to him with demeaning words or attitudes...we are playing God.
- When we choose to spend time visiting with friends when our children need time from us...we are playing God.
- When we are rude to a store clerk because we think we deserve better treatment...we are playing God.
- When we try to force God to make exceptions for us or to change His plan for our life because things aren’t going according to our plans...we are playing God.
Take Time to Reflect
Ask God to open your eyes to any ways you may be attempting to instruct, argue with, or disobey Him. Prayerfully read Isaiah 44.
