The month of June marks two years. Two years of blogging. What a journey it's been. As I look back on all the life lessons I've shared - I'm grateful for growth in so many areas and even more grateful for God's grace in the areas where development is still needed. His direction for me is clear, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," (2 Peter 3:18a; KJV).
Passing along the lessons God is teaching me has been a joyful, and sometimes humbling experience. My goal has been to consistently share the practical truths of God's Word to bring honor and glory to Him. In the coming year, my goal remains the same.
But being consistent has its challenges. Life is hectic. Distractions will come. It's easy for me to get swept away in the current of the urgent and not attend to the important. Balance in each area of life is crucial. Staying focused and motivated are keys. King Solomon penned these wise words, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life," (Proverbs 4:23). Truth is, I'll find time to do what I want to do. My task is to concentrate on those things that keep my feet on the right path.
Need an example? Glad you asked. The Lord has given me a desire to write. With summer here, our daughter home from college, a number of projects needing to be tackled, and the same amount of writing to be done, I feel torn in a million directions. Instead of throwing my hands up in frustration and giving into defeat, God's Word shares a different perspective: diligence and perseverance.
It's easy to say I'll do something. Following through is the hard part. Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers about this exact situation, "And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have," (2 Corinthians 8:10-11; italics mine). These Christians had a great plan. They wanted to collect money for the churches in Jerusalem. The problem? Over the time period of a year, nothing had come of their plan. Paul encouraged them to be diligent and persevere - to follow through.
Choosing to be diligent and persevere in the face of difficulties isn't easy. But it's the right thing to do. And God's blessing will follow. "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises," (Hebrews 6:10-12).
Do you struggle with follow through? How would a commitment to being diligent and to persevere change the outcome?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your continued work in my life. Thank You for showing me the importance of following through - of being diligent and persevering. Give me the strength and help I need to focus on Your truth, and stay on the path You have for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
