Galatians 5:7, 8
You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
Close your eyes and imagine a runner being purposely tripped by someone shortly before he reaches the finish line. What a powerful picture! Paul is comparing the Galatians’ backsliding faith to that poor runner who just ate the pavement. He was doing great, and then all of the sudden, “Bam!” he’s down for the count. The cause of the Galatians’ “hindrance” was much more than an unforeseen foot in their way. They allowed themselves to be influenced by someone other than the Lord (verse 8).
As a child of God, it’s important that He remains the greatest influence in your life. As soon as you allow Him to be replaced by anything else, the world’s values and logic will begin distorting the decisions you make. The further you remove yourself from the influence of God and His Scripture, the greater you will be persuaded to accept harmful and dishonoring lies. Because the battle takes place in your mind, this is the first place where things will begin to change. Slowly but steadily, unholy thoughts will take the form of sinful actions and words. You were running so well, now you’re spitting gravel out of your mouth; who hindered you from obeying the truth? There’s no one answer that will satisfy this same question for every individual. One thing’s for certain though: “This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.”