3 Steps to Start

While our lives can be so different, there is one thing that's the same for all of us…there is no guarantee we will see another day. Seth and I live with a sober reminder that his condition can take his life at any moment, even so we choose not to live in fear and keep pressing forward into what God has next for us. We have a number of friends that have shown us how to keep "living" despite a physical handicap - you are our inspiration and we are thankful for your example.

We should all ask ourselves this question: what am I doing with today? Time waits for no one.

What are those things you hunger to see changed in the world? Do you believe God has called you to do something - but feel insignificant or too busy to walk it out? By the way…this is not a guilt trip, but rather encouragement that you are able to do all He asks you to. Not because you have all the answers or strength, but because He does and if He is in it…there will be fruit.

Do you want to know what the Lord desires for you? In broad terms: purpose-filled days. Imagine living out the dream He placed within you and in doing so, meeting the needs of others in the process. How fulfilling! "Vocation" as defined by Theologian Frederick Buechner, is the place where “your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” I don't think he could have said it better.

As you step into all God has for you, remember - no one person, purpose, or task is more significant than another; we are equally His and equally valuable. We are in this - together. So let's get moving and help one another, by doing our part.

First things first...

CLEAR THE CLUTTER

1. If you feel like the rest of us and lack of time, clutter, or commitments bog you down…then ask God to show you what areas can get simplified to open up the margin you’ll need to say "yes." When we deal with our excess stuff, mental clutter, and overbooked calendars - we GAIN space, time, clarity, and finance; critical in helping us start and stay committed. Don’t get caught up on the end-goal…rather celebrate obedience and each forward motion with God at the helm. This is a process...and when preparation meets opportunity - you'll be ready for what God has for you!

• For help clearing the physical clutter

• For help clearing mental & emotional clutter

• For help setting boundaries

These were the areas I had to get help with - before I was ready for ministry. I needed to declutter physically, mentally, and emotionally + get strong in setting Godly boundaries.

ALIGN YOUR FOCUS WITH GOD’S

2. Obeying God = aligning our focus - with Him. God is One to seek and know, and His character, ours to reflect. What a privilege to know and love the Living God - and even reflect Him. Aligning with Him is a must for successful ministry. I'm talking hearts and lives changed because you make an impact by His power and authority - everywhere He has you. Ask the Lord to help narrow your focus if you feel confusion or lack of direction. Wisdom and understanding will be given without limit - if you ask Him and listen. Fasting + Prayer are powerful tools for discernment and alignment. Don't be afraid to think big and don't feel shame thinking small. Small Steps produce one Giant Leap over time. Everything counts in God's economy.

• Seasons change. Stay in alignment with God through His Word, prayer, fasting, and fellowship.
  

• Don't fear pruning...without it, you cannot bear the quality and quantity of fruit God desires for you. Many times aligning with God requires Him removing things - even things you thought were good or okay. Fighting this process is like the tree telling the gardener what's best for it. Let Him do what only He can.

TAKE THE STEPS

3. Step by step, day by day - there are no shortcuts to anything purposeful. Don't allow what feels insignificant to dominate your thoughts about the future. Remember, small steps lead to one Giant Leap over time. And the Lord calls you to be faithful with today - not to obsess over tomorrow. I'm telling you what I have to tell myself even as I write this. One sentence at a time; one thought at a time. It's okay to make mistakes and take a few steps back and restart. God is with you - all the way.

I often say to my children, don't look at the entire problem/project - look at the first thing you have to do, and break that down until you are thinking only of one small step at a time. If you make a mistake - erase it - start again. God doesn't complicate things, we do. He simply wants us to entrust our imperfect efforts to a perfect Creator, and rest assured He will use us right where we are. His Word shows us over and over how He uses imperfect people to do His perfect will. Now smile, and take a deep breath; you're part of His plan and it's time we move forward together.

MY PRAYER FOR YOU

Heavenly Father, thank you for this individual. Thank You for their hunger to live a purpose-filled life. Encourage them with Your Presence and allow them to feel supernatural Joy and expectation that can only come from You. Thank you for the purposes You ordained to be carried out in each and every one of us, and how You've designed it that we would each play a part of the Whole...thank You that we need one another. Help us to steward these gifts to benefit Your kingdom until You call us home. We live in such exciting and tumultuous times, thank You for entrusting us in this very complex season. As history unravels, nothing is a surprise to You. Let us stay sober and not waste our lives on unfruitful patterns and empty desires. May we not squander Your time - truly, what we have is not our own. Allow us to make an impact that can only come through the power and authority of Holy Spirit. Strengthen us in Your Presence...move us onward and upward. In Jesus' name, amen.