Are You Busy or Just Stuck?
I don’t know about you, but I find that I keep pretty busy with life. Somehow “stuff” fills up whatever amount of time I have. I just can’t seem to find time for the things I know I “should” be doing.
As I started to examine this—noticing what I had time for and what I continued to put off, a pattern emerged. The things I put off were the things that were in areas outside my comfort zone. I got really honest, and realized there was some (ok, more than just “some”) fear around those areas. My “busy-ness” was a way of avoiding the things I didn’t want to do.
What was I afraid of?
I might make a mistake or go in the wrong direction.
I might waste time or money.
I might fail.
I might not know how to accomplish the task.
I might not be equipped or skilled enough.
I might not have “what it takes” to do it “right.”
When I sit with these fears, and stare them in the eye, I see the common denominator: fear!
The Bible says over and over, “Fear not!” Why? Because we as humans tend to be fearful when we operate outside our comfort zone. Show me where in the Bible, God says “I will love you only if you are perfect. You must not make mistakes.”
From Fear to Freedom
When I allow Christ to meet me in each of those questions on a heart level—and not just in my head—it all begins to look and feel differently. (I think this is what the writer of Romans 12:2 means when he talks about being transformed by the renewing of our minds.) Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed (see Romans 8:5). Then and only then will I be able to move forward with freedom. Then I will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good and perfect will for my life.
Consider the following “conversation” between me and my Lord:
Me: “What if I make a mistake Lord?”
Him: “You will! But it is ok to make mistakes. You’re not Me.”
Me: “What if I go the wrong direction?”
Him: “I will lead you in paths of righteousness for My name sake.”
Me: “What if I waste time or money?”
Him: “Nothing is ever wasted with Me.”
Me: “I might fail!”
Him: “Take my hand. Step into to the water. Nothing can separate you from me.
Me: “I don’t know how.”
Him: “But I do.”
Me: “I’m not equipped.
Him: “ I am.”
Faith Over Fear
I am reminded that Abraham (“by faith”) Obeyed God and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Can you just imagine his fear of the unknown? (Hebrews 11:8) I guess I am in good company. Abraham didn’t know where he was going, either.
What about you? What are you avoiding? Are you busy or just stuck?
