24hrs

On my desk I have the following 3 statements: No Excuses. Trust the Process. Stay the Course. I’m an impatient person who procrastinates. This is a mess of a combination. What this translates to is when I finally decide to do what I need to do which typically requires the assistance of others; I have the nerve to get annoyed because they don’t move as quickly as I think they should.   What kind of foolishness is that?

I have such an admiration for people who make a plan and work their plan. I think some people are naturally goal and task oriented. It seems they are wired with this ‘special’ gift to accomplish a multitude of things. Arguably, everyone has their own unique gifts, skills, and talents but one thing we all have in common is 24hrs. The question is, how should I spend that 24hrs? One thing is for sure, people can disagree on many things but they can’t disagree that once time has passed, you can’t get it back.

Here’s my quandary. I don’t want to occupy my 24hrs with busy work but instead with focused and purposeful work. Sometimes it’s necessary to invest time and energy in determining where you should focus your efforts because all good ‘busy’ work is not necessarily GOD work.

Back to the 3 statements I mentioned in the first line of this blog. I am the queen of excuses. There are times when there are legitimate reasons. However, I should be ashamed to say this but to be honest; there are times when I just don’t want to. I’m unmotivated, uninspired, undisciplined, and a host of other pathetic excuses. That’s why it is so important to be prayerful about everything. Especially when it comes how you spend your time. When GOD puts something in your spirit that HE wants you to accomplish, there should be NO EXCUSES. Psalm 32:8 (NIV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

It’s been my experience when GOD instructs you to do something, typically, it’s not an easy task. Once I conjure up enough nerve to take a step forward in obedience, because I’m an impatient person, I expect immediate results. However, it RARELY happens this way. I know my GOD can do things suddenly but, in my case, that just doesn’t happen often. What HE is teaching me is that I must TRUST THE PROCESS. What I’m realizing is that, more often than not, it’s not about the end result but it’s about what HE is working in me. I believe GOD is not going to trust me with HIS best until HE knows I have the character to handle HIS best. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding .

Now that I’m diligently working to grow spiritually, I’m asking GOD to renew my mind through and in accordance with HIS Word. By doing this, I am better equipped to deal with the disappointments, setbacks, missteps, frustrations, hurt feelings, etc. GOD sees and knows all. I truly believe that every tear that is shed while doing what HE called me to do, will not be wasted. When I’m faced with challenges, I remind myself to STAY THE COURSE because Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT: Proverbs 12:24(NIV) Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

Make every moment count.

Be Encouraged! Be Blessed!

this Pastor’s Wife