Originally published Monday, 16 January 2017.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Are you busy, sis? Do you have a lot of work to do? Do you have a husband to help or kids to train up and nurture? Or are you a single woman or mother who is just trying to keep up with the daily demands of life? In either case, I get it. The hustle and struggle is real! However, guess what? As we live life in the fast lane at different seasons of our lives, we CAN slow down.
It’s okay to get in the right lane. Think about it as if you were driving on the highway. In the real world you can’t stay in the fast lane…it’s a temporary lane to maneuver when you’re trying to get somewhere faster, but eventually, you’re going to have to get back over into the right lane and just coast. Well, it’s the same way with our lives. As we are grinding and getting things done at home, work, in the community, and in Kingdom business, eventually, we’re going to need to slow down.
And it’s perfectly okay.
It’s okay to slow down and have a quiet moment with God. It’s okay to be still and seek God for your next steps…for clear direction. It’s okay to simply sit by the window and sip a hot cup of tea or coffee before your day gets crazy. It’s okay to schedule a massage, take a nap, go out to lunch with a friend, or take a stroll in the mall...alone. And it’s okay to not rush a project or assignment that’s been given to you by God, your leaders, or your boss. It’s in the slowing down where you’re actually able to take a moment to pray, think, and get wisdom from the Holy Spirit on how to do what you’re about to do. Because if you don’t pace yourself, you'll leave yourself pretty open to make a lot of unnecessary mistakes.
Proverbs 19:2 says, “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.” So know that it’s totally okay to be excited about things. Yet on the other hand, it’s also important to slow down enough to take your time to consider what’s ahead. This way you’ll be able to get things done efficiently and effectively. I’m speaking from experience.
Personally, right now, I am living life in the fast lane! So I know! And no doubt, I absolutely LOVE what God is doing in my life in this season. He's truly AMAZING!!! But sis, it’s work! And I’m not in no way complaining…yet it does require a lot out of me. The Bible says in Luke 12:48, “…When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” So I’m feeling the requirements. And it’s all good!
But I’ve also learned over the years, and especially right now, that when we do what God is calling us to do in any role or season, it will not be done in our own strength or power. Instead, it will be done by His Spirit (at least, it’s supposed to be done that way). The point here is that when God calls us to do a certain thing, He will give us supernatural wisdom and help to get the job done successfully. In Zechariah 4:6, God told Zerubbabel, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” He’s saying the same words to us today. Again, what He has called us to do will be done by His Spirit…not in our own might or power.
I’m also learning more and more that life is NOT a sprint…it is truly a marathon. So I’m slowing down a bit. And I’m okay with that…now. I used to hate hearing people say, “Take life slow. It’s a journey.” My response in my flesh and mind would be, “WHAT?!” But now, I get it! And I pray that you get it too (if you haven’t already).
God’s will unfolds little by little. And He will give you the grace, wisdom, and strength to get what you need to get done, done. I don’t know about you, but knowing all of this makes me breathe a smooth sigh of relief.
We’re not alone in this process, sis. Jesus is with us. God has already set the pace for our race. And He will complete the work in us until the day of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:1 and Philippians 1:6 assures us of this saying, “…And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” and “I am certain that God, who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” AMEN!!!
So, slow down. Let the Lord lead and guide you in your home-life, devotion, decisions, assignments, and to rest. Remember, God worked for 6 days and on the 7th day, He rested. It’s totally okay for us to do the same and take time to slow down.
Also, remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
QUESTION: Are you super busy and really would like to slow down, but feel like you can’t right now? If you need help in the struggle, I will indeed join you in prayer, sis. You can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. Talk to you soon!
ALSO, just want to encourage you to grab my NEW book, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” ORDER IT TODAY right here on Amazon.com! And if you already have it and have read it, please give me a REVIEW on Amazon.com. Thanks so much in advance.
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