Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

In 1917, Emile Schlick patented the first commercially-produced crutch.

The design consisted of a walking stick with an upper arm support. Later, A.R. Lofstrand, Jr. developed the first crutches with a height-adjustable feature making the crutches customizable. Crutches come in handy when you have an injury to your foot or leg.

They give you something to lean on, something to aid in moving around, and something to use in self-defense or toward the person getting on your nerves.

However, once your injury has healed, it would seem strange to keep using the crutches. Some folks will still use crutches after the doctor says all is well and that they should start trying to move around without the crutch.

But why?

Sometimes we keep using crutches for comfort, out of fear, to draw attention, because of habit, or other reasons.

You know what? We also use people and other items as a crutch for the same reasons. A lot of times we don’t even recognize we are trusting in these things rather than God, or we may not realize these things are not only our crutch, they have become an idol – the God we are serving.

In many cases, God allows us to lose some of the things we find our security in, in order for us to grow and rely on Him.

Maybe it is time to let go of that crutch. Maybe the crutch you have been depending on is a physical crutch. You are afraid to let go. You don’t think you can move on. You aren’t sure you can handle work, life, daily things without that crutch (whatever it may be). Maybe that crutch is a person. You just would rather they do things for you. You aren’t sure you can do things on your own. You are afraid of taking that step to do things on your own without their approval or help. Whatever this crutch is…maybe it is time to let go and let God lead.

In Proverbs 3:5-9 we read, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the One who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from Evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give Him the first and the best (The Message).”

Let go of that crutch. Trust God. Live for Him. Live as He asks according to what the Bible says. Honor Him in all you do. #bethegood

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor of Kenbridge Christian Church. He can be reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail.com.