Determination!
If there is one thing that we need to put in our repetoire, it is this- determination. There are so many things that are designed to take us all of our square, so to speak. Distractions, temptations, desire for certain things, feeling inadequate, feeling undeserving – the list could go on and on. Yet, when we have determination we:
26 Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow wew boxing]. 27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service] 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (AMP)
In other words we set definite goals and then put ourselves in alignment with those goals. We decide what is important and we utilize our time and energy toward things in order of their importance. We utilize self-discipline in every area of our life knowing that when we allow our flesh to rule us, we will no doubt yield to things that are not edifying, thereby making our witness of no effect.
While it may cause us some real challenges at first, if we continue in doing those things that will help us reach our goal, we will not only reach our goal, we will establish healthy habits to reach other goals. It is time for the saints of God to rise up, stop taking a bottle of milk, and sit down to a table of real protein that will energize us, strengthen us, and propel us forward into a God ordained life.
(Thinking this day about those years when this would have been the first day of school – my opening lesson!)
Maria