Originally published Monday, 30 May 2016.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Are you a procrastinator or do you know someone who is one? Well, lo and behold you are interacting with one right now! Yes, that would be me…Ouch! Can you spell DELIVERANCE! I want it. I need it! And anyone who is in my shoes is probably screaming, “I WANT IT TOO!” No one in their right mind wants to be a procrastinator. That’s why we have to get a handle on this, ladies. We cannot allow procrastination to beat us! I know the struggle is real, but we've got to conquer this madness!
How many times have you had something to do that you knew was pretty important, but you figured, “I’ve got time.” And then all of a sudden the deadline or moment sneaks up upon you and before you know it, you’re in this mad dash to get it done. Been there before? I totally have been there too many times. While this choice of action may be an adrenaline rush, it also tends to bring on a huge amount of undue stress and unimaginable mistakes. That’s why I strongly encourage both you and me to make it our new mission to prepare ourselves for the assignments God gives to us ahead of time. This way, we can make our deadlines and finish our projects without all of the mishaps and headaches. Amen!
Procrastination is actually, another form of slothfulness and laziness. It’s putting off what we can today for tomorrow. It’s simply poor time management. It’s spending a little too much time in what we want to do vs. what we need to do. And I don’t believe that God is pleased with it. Proverbs 13:4 says, “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied.” (NLT)
We’re also instructed in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV) God is One of order and peace, not confusion and anxiety. So, if we’re always in this mad race against time to complete a task or assignment, we’re only fooling ourselves, because that’s not God’s way of doing things. Instead, we must prepare ourselves early enough until the project is totally complete.
I believe procrastination is another one of Satan’s tactics on us. Think about it. When we're either anxious, stressed out, or frazzled...or frustrated. He loves it! Why? Because we're more apt to snap, because WE'RE in a rush! Sis, that’s why this has to STOP today.
Also, I need to say this. When we’re given an assignment or asked to do something, once we commit to it, then it’s our responsibility to lay down our lives and get it done enthusiastically. *If that means rearranging our schedule, setting the alarm clock 30 minutes earlier to get moving, putting on some praise music, and saying “No” to some unnecessary requests, distractions, or errands that could throw us off task, then we MUST do what it takes to stay committed and get the job done in a timely manner and in excellence.
BUT… if we wait and wait and wait, then the pressure will intensify and we’re less likely to do it effectively and with good lasting character. Notice when we are over-stressed and frazzled, we begin to lose fruit (patience, joy, love, self-control, peace, etc. - See Galatians 5:22-23/memorize this one, sis). As we do His will, God would want us to have lasting fruit.
Sis, it’s time to give procrastination the pink slip! Let’s begin better preparing for the tasks that God has given us. Believe it or not, a lot of times, He’s just testing us and proving us for something greater. However, if He can’t trust us with the small tasks, then how can we be trusted with bigger ones or greater responsibility? And YES, this is a dying process, but He’s calling us to lay down our lives for others through the work that He has given us. Jesus did it for us and at the end, He was rewarded! Yay!
Now He’s seated at the right hand of God with so much joy! We can be rewarded too! Doesn't it feel great when a task is completed? We've got to have more moments when we can say, "It is finished!" But on time! So let's be faithful servants, not slothful servants. Let’s plan our schedules accordingly and get the job done without procrastinating. It’s high time to end the struggle. Help us, Lord!
*WAIT! Got deadlines? Let me pray for you! Pray for me too sis, because I've got things to do...a lot! You can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. Let me know what you're working on, and I'll intercede for you.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s get ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
I pray that this post has helped you in some way. Don't forget to DOWNLOAD my FREE eBook, “The Influence of a Changed Woman.” There’s also a BONUS Study Guide that you can use for personal devotion or group Bible Study. DOWNLOAD it here: http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/book and share it with other women you know! Thanks and enjoy!!!
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
*DON’T FORGET TO TELL OTHER WOMEN about Inside Out with Courtnaye. Invite your friends and family by sharing, tweeting, and hitting the “LIKE” button on my Facebook page! If you have any questions or need advice about something, feel free to email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com or leave a comment to let me know how this post has helped you in some way. Thanks in advance and just know that Inside Out with Courtnaye is all about helping women grow stronger in their walk with Christ from the inside out (from the heart). Jesus is coming soon! Love you sis!
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