Fellow former procrastinators, a new calendar reminds me I’m not in charge of the march of time. Our Sovereign God has placed us in time which limits us -but not Him. Year after year comes – and goes. Redeem the time, scripture says. Exchange this ever-leaving -time for something worthwhile in the eyes of God. Sometimes out of fear, I choose what is comfortable. Then I have regrets.
I want it to matter that I have lived. This desire to make a difference is planted in each of us by our eternal Creator. How can we make an impact?
In simple terms, the Lord impresses on us what He is calling us to do. We cooperate by saying “Yes” to His call and acting on it. We trust Him for the results. We give Him our loaves and fishes. He works the miracle.
As God works to bring me out of procrastination and into diligence, it helps me to select a theme for the year. Last year it was “Bowling Bumpers.” Use routine to keep me in the lane I should be in to knock down the priority pins.
I learned something. Following routine (which helps me accomplish the most important things) brought me to a place I didn’t expect. I made progress that took me to another level, new territory, more challenge. I found I was nervous and uncomfortable about “advancing.”
An army that succeeds in taking territory can then advance to more. It becomes more proficient. A child who rides his bike with training wheels advances to riding without them. He has more fun. Our daughter advanced to a piano with greater capabilities than the first. With the new instrument, she developed more as a musician, met more challenges, experienced more joy.
For me, one application pertains to this website. It’s past time for an update – which means dealing with new challenges that make me uncomfortable. Our office clean out is uncomfortable. So is the conviction that I need to change some eating habits. Stepping into these challenges enables me to meet more challenges and make a greater impact.
Therefore, I need to Go there!
That is my theme for 2018 – Go there! In spite of discomfort, fear, nervousness, lack of knowledge or experience, I can take God’s hand and step into the challenge. So can you!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.
“Comfort is the emotion that has deceived us all.” A young woman at a retreat made this insightful comment. She nailed it!
A new homeschool curriculum? A job for which you lack the skills?
Discern whether or not the prompting to act is of God. If so, Go there!
Don’t let this year leave you looking back with regret. Receive this new year as an adventure in which God will advance you to action, places, people where He will use you. Go there!
In what area do you hesitate to step out? What action can you take in that area today?
I love this Beth. As someone who struggles with an anxiety disorder, I have now become accustomed to doing things despite my fear. I asked the Lord a long time ago to “deliver me from all my fears”, I was hoping it would happen in a miraculous way and I’d be “good-to-go”. Instead, He does so, daily because fear also has its place. And it allows me to depend on Him rather than myself.
I’m excited for you that you’ve taken on the challenge to go there!
Happy New Year
Wendy, thank you for “I have now become accustomed to doing things despite my fear.” You have made going out of your comfort zone a routine. May we all grow like that – especially me! The fear may remain, but dependence on Him takes us where we should go in spite of the fear. I hope you’ll continue to share what you’re learning!