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Go to the source

Go to the Source

Let Go of the Middleman

God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and the Creator of everything, yet, when life gets hard, many of us turn to someone or something else instead of going straight to Him. It’s easier, maybe more familiar, but it’s not better. We settle for a middleman.

A middleman is anything or anyone we rely on before turning to God. It’s that person, habit, or belief we reach for first when we’re hurting, confused, or empty. The problem is that the middleman is not God. Scripture is clear: Jesus Christ is the only true Mediator between us and the Father.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

– 1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)

Some people look to horoscopes and astrology for direction, forgetting that the stars were created by God and not meant to guide us. Isaiah warned that astrologers and stargazers would be no help in the day of judgment:

Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee… Behold, they shall be as stubble.

– Isaiah 47:13–14 (KJV)

People often lean on friends. While good advice can be helpful, even well-meaning people can’t replace God’s wisdom.

Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm.

– Jeremiah 17:5 (KJV)

Some of us get caught up in what influencers or social media voices say, placing more value in likes, shares, and online applause than in God’s approval.

For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

– Galatians 1:10 (KJV)

Then there are money and career—common middlemen people trust to provide security and identity. But Scripture reminds us that wealth is unstable:

Charge them that are rich… that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God.

– 1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV)

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

– Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

And finally, there are the subtle things—our comfort habits and coping mechanisms. Addictions like food, shopping, scrolling, or binging may seem harmless, but they often become our go-to instead of God.

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient… I will not be brought under the power of any.

– 1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV)

When we run to these instead of to God, they become idols. They may provide temporary comfort, but they never truly satisfy.

Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame…

– Philippians 3:19 (KJV)

Who Are You Turning To First?

So, the question becomes: What do I run to before I run to God? Let’s look at a few biblical examples of people who relied on the wrong sources.

  • King Asa relied on another king instead of God during a crisis and later sought only physicians when ill.

    Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the Lord thy God.

    – 2 Chronicles 16:7 (KJV)

  • King Saul sought out a medium when God stopped answering him.

    God is departed from me… therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.

    – 1 Samuel 28:15 (KJV)

  • Jeroboam created idols to control the people rather than trust God.

    Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold… and said, Behold thy gods, O Israel…

    – 1 Kings 12:28 (KJV)

Examples of Faith First

But God doesn’t leave us without hope. The Bible is full of examples of people who chose to trust God first:

  • David faced Goliath with faith, not armor, declaring:

    The battle is the Lord’s.

    – 1 Samuel 17:47 (KJV)

  • Jehoshaphat sought God through fasting and prayer when outnumbered.

    We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on You.

    – 2 Chronicles 20:12 (paraphrased)

  • Daniel chose loyalty to God even when it meant facing the lions.

    – Daniel 6:10–23

None of these men were perfect, but they made the right choice: they went to God first. And God showed Himself faithful. Their stories challenge us to ask:

  • What choices am I making daily?
  • Who or what am I turning to first?

Through Jesus, we have full access to God. The veil is torn. We don’t need substitutes—we can go straight to the Source with boldness, honesty, and trust.

Scriptures to Reflect On:

  • 1 Timothy 2:5 — Jesus is our only Mediator
  • Isaiah 31:1 — Woe to those who rely on Egypt instead of God
  • Psalm 118:8 — It is better to trust in the Lord than in man
  • Hebrews 4:16 — Come boldly to the throne of grace
  • James 1:5 — Ask God for wisdom; He gives it freely

Reflection Questions:

  • What do I usually turn to when I’m feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure?
  • Are there things in my life I trust more than I trust God?
  • What would it look like to go straight to God first and not last?
  • What middlemen do I need to release or replace with prayer and trust?

Prayer

Father, I confess I’ve sometimes looked to other people, comforts, or even myself before looking to You. Thank You for the gift of Jesus who is my access, my Mediator, and my Savior. Help me to run to You first. Show me what I’ve put in Your place and help me surrender it completely. I want to trust You with all my heart, lean on You in every moment, and walk in full dependence on You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.