Diligence

As a new year begins, I start hearing and reading the word "goals" everywhere. I don't really get into writing resolutions, perhaps because they're typically the same, and I'm usually not accomplishing them. I have a running list in my head, and deep desires in my heart that I don't forget. Why is it that I have trouble living them?

My kids hard at work :)

For starters, good intentions aren't enough. I have a lot of good intentions that haven't gone anywhere or accomplished anything.

I've also realized it's not about having more goals, or better goals.

What I need is diligence. 

When I hear the word diligence, these words come to mind: strength, perseverance, discipline, focus, press, steadfastness, overcome, don't give up, and just do it!

There's more to it than simply "trying harder". I must have discernment, deliverance, and direction. 

Discernment

There are different reasons I don't accomplish my goals, some of which are actually good. Perhaps my goals are misguided or not realistic for my current season of life. They need to be let go of. However, I think more often that not, the cause is laziness and lack of self-control. It's hard to develop new habits and let go of old ones. It's important to know when to let go and when to persevere. 

As I live out my days, I pray that I will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. If He's telling me to let something go, then I don't want to strive to make that thing happen. And if He leads me to "give up" on something, I don't want to wallow in self-condemnation.

Deliverance

There are places where I know I need to persevere, but I've been lazy. I need to recognize those places, confess, and repent (turn in the opposite direction). If I don't start there, I don't think I'll ever move forward! I feel so stuck in certain areas...not doing what I really want to do...and often it's because I need divine deliverance. I need to be set free. He's the only One who brings true, lasting freedom!

Direction

Deliverance doesn't always happen instantaneously. Most times it has to be worked through. When I'm walking in humility, acknowledging the Lord, following His lead one baby step at a time, freedom comes. I need direction from Him, in the every day moments. I must not ignore His promptings and His word!

Diligence

So this year, I want to focus on growing in diligence in all that God has for me to do. I know I can only do that with discernment from Him, by the deliverance He brings, and direction He gives. As I mature in what God has for me, I'll go from wobbly little steps to running! My hope is in Him.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV

(Photo credit: Rachel Ranae)

Staring at the Wall

Yesterday I asked one of my boys to please pick up the Cheerios that their baby brother had dumped all over the carpet. I told him a couple of ways he could attempt to do this. He then stood staring at the wall like a statue.

I gave him a good 20 seconds to think before saying, "Why aren't you doing it?" He answered, "I'm thinking about the best way to do it." I responded, "Well stop thinking about it, and just do it. I don't really care how you do it as long as it gets done." As those words left my mouth, an epiphany occurred. Those were the exact words I needed to hear for myself.

So often, in many areas, I am just like my son...staring at the wall thinking. I actually love just thinking about the best ways to do things. That's one of the reasons I like reading books, or at least buying them and putting them on my shelf. Sometimes I just stare at them, hoping the titles will change me.

I have to start doing. I may not do things the best way, but at least I can have the satisfaction of going somewhere. And the great thing is, I will learn along the way.

While I admit a part of me loves just reading and thinking, I hate the feeling of not moving - being stuck. I don't necessarily need to know more, I need to start doing what I already know!

Maybe this is a January theme for me. I wrote something quite similar to this January 2012...Just Learning or Living? Perhaps I will need to be reminded of this throughout my life. That's okay, as long as I keep moving forward!

Refreshed by Simple Words

Last night my 3 year old, Dash, asked me to read to him from "Jesus Wants All of Me". It's written for 3-7 year olds, but is based on "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, which is one of my favorite devotional books. These short and simple readings were so refreshing to me...and my tired brain!

Here are two of them:

Wanted!
Did God use me? Good! I will thank Him. But I must never forget that God can use anyone. He can use a donkey. He can use a king! What really matters is that Jesus wants me. He loves me!

I'm Listening Now
Am I listening for God's voice? Or am I listening for my own? I would love to do big things. And maybe I will. But is God really shouting, "Go and do big things"? Or is He simply whispering, "Come to Me"?

Both of those were so good for me to read.

I was humbled by the reminder that God can use anyone or anything...even a donkey :) When He uses me, I can simply thank Him. That's it. Thanksgiving.

Also, I have to be careful never to begin endeavors with the thought that I will "do something big", even if it's "for God". I must always start with coming to Him. In fact, that's the beginning, middle, and end. Anything "great" that comes out of me, is simply because I am communing with Him! I don't want to forget that.

It's good for me to recognize that I don't always know how or when God is using me...and that's probably a good thing. The more I get my eyes off of myself, the better. However, at times He gives me a glimpse of how He is working through me, when He knows I need the encouragement. His ways and timing are perfect.