Have you ever had those "I don't wanna!!" feelings? I do, more frequently than I care to admit. Even after talking yesterday about doing this walking challenge to just walk a mile a day (and being the person I am, I want to do more... lots more than what is asked).... I struggled to get myself on the treadmill yesterday.
But.I.did.it. Twice! Well, I do get two breaks a day from work. I did take the two breaks. The first time on the treadmill wasn't bad. I pushed through the 15 minutes and got some walking done. The afternoon break was a lot harder to take. Not that I was busy.... I just didn't want to do it. But I did. And it wasn't so bad after all.
Sometimes we have to take that big step of doing something, regardless of what we feel. But then, we also need to be sure of what we are feeling. I know that walking is good for me. Obviously, I can't do much else. It challenges me to go a little further each time I focus on that walk. And I always benefit from it. So why do I find it such a struggle?
Because I have to apply myself to complete it. I have to choose to make myself uncomfortable so that I can build the strength I want to have in my body. I have to keep myself healthy and strong, I have to work so I need to keep my mind clear and focused. Getting away from the desk and walking allows me time to think about other things. To process things. To talk to God and ask Him, "is this of You, Lord? or should I think of other things?"
I had a photo taken of me last night with one of the grandsons who is moving out of state, being part of the military now. He has been taking care of things we needed done around here and we have gotten close. I will - we will - truly miss him being around. But the photo, it would have been a good photo... well, it IS a good photo... but I am going to crop it. Like cut the belly out. UGH. See, that is something I am so self-conscious of and it is up to me to do something about it.
So walking is going to have to become a priority for me - whether I like it or not! In reality, I do enjoy walking.... but I have just gotten out of the continuous habit this past year. I sit all day behind the desk. Ok, - enough about that. I just have to do it. End of story.
LOL. Looking for something profound to write.... I thought I'd check my Fitbit steps yesterday. A message pops up: "Research shows adding 2 minutes of walking for each hour you sit during the day may be linked with a life expectancy. A 2-3 minute walk = 250 steps. Set a goal."
I know I can not do anything by myself. Oh sure, it does take me doing something - usually 'by myself' - to get it done, but I am never alone. And neither are you.
Have a tough decision to make? After getting all the information you need to make that decision, lay it out before God. Ask Him what you should do. Do you jump into the challenge with excitement or dread? If it doesn't bring you joy in the thought of it, then perhaps that isn't what you are to do. Does it stir something creative within you? A desire to succeed? If not, then it may be God's way of saying, "no, not now". But what if.... you don't feel anything... or your feel dread... identify if it is fear of NOT succeeding (I definitely know that feeling!) .
You have value. Whether it is fear of the unknown that holds you back from stepping out in faith, or you just don't want to do it, only you can determine that. But remember, God doesn't make junk and He is ultimately in charge of your future, whether you allow Him to be or not. He allows you to make choices - good and bad.
The Bible says "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." YOU can do ALL things. It's always flattering when someone says they want you for something. (see, the VALUE you are)
I always go back to Philippians 4:6-7
(NIV) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus."
But I like the NLT version better....sometimes....
(NLT) "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
So you think you don't believe in God? Test Him in this. Talk to Him and lay your life out before Him. Seek His forgiveness, His direction, and trust His Word that says:
Psalm 103:12 - (NLT) "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."
Your life, your challenges, your decisions, are all in His hands... trust Him. He will walk through life with you, all the way, when you ask Him to.
Blessings!
