Who Hindered You?

Scripture Focus: “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” — Galatians 5:7 (NASB 1995)

Sermon Reflection
 
Paul’s words to the Galatians cut through time and speak directly to us. The church had begun their spiritual journey with passion and truth, but somewhere along the way, something or someone interfered. The same danger still exists today.
We begin our walk with joy, freedom, and clarity, but if we’re not careful, distractions can cut into our lane. Pride, pain, people, or even performance can shift our focus from Christ to ourselves. Paul isn’t asking this question to shame them but to awaken them. He wants believers to reflect on what voice am I listening to? What slowed me down? What caused me to drift from simple obedience to the truth?
The race of faith is not about speed; it’s about steadfastness. It’s not about perfection; it’s about perseverance. God calls us to stay in our lane, to guard the truth of the gospel, and to live in obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit.

How I Should Respond
 
Ask yourself: What’s hindering me?
Maybe it’s a person whose opinion matters too much, a habit that weakens your focus, or a thought pattern that keeps replaying your failures. Whatever it is, don’t let it cut in on your obedience.
God isn’t looking for a perfect runner. He’s looking for a faithful one. Confess what has slowed you down, realign your heart with His Word, and get back in the lane of truth. The same grace that saved you will sustain you.

Weekly Prayer
 
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the race You’ve set before me. Forgive me for the moments I’ve let distractions or disobedience hinder my walk. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus, to run with endurance, and to stay faithful to Your truth. Strengthen my spirit to resist false voices and to trust fully in the sufficiency of Christ. Remind me that Your grace empowers me to finish well.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application for the Week: 5-Day Plan
 
Day 1 – Reflect on Your Lane
Read Galatians 5:7–9. Identify what or who has been cutting in on your obedience. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where your focus has drifted.
Day 2 – Renew Your Discipline
Read 1 Corinthians 9:24–27. Consider what spiritual “training” you’ve neglected. Commit to one consistent habit: prayer, study, or worship that will strengthen your endurance.
Day 3 – Guard the Message
Read 1 Timothy 4:16. Pray for your pastors, teachers, and leaders. Ask God to help you discern truth from error and to live what you hear.
Day 4 – Obey from the Heart
Read 1 Peter 1:22. Let obedience purify your heart. Show genuine love to someone who’s difficult to love this week as a reflection of Christ’s work in you.
Day 5 – Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
Read Hebrews 12:1–2. Meditate on how Jesus stayed in His lane all the way to Calvary. Thank Him for empowering you to keep running.

Final Thought
 
The race isn’t over. As long as you have breath, there’s grace to get back in your lane. Stay focused on Christ, trust the Spirit’s leading, and keep running until you finish well because the One who called you is faithful to see you through to the finish line.