Do you know what an IF-clause is? It goes something like this: if you do this then I will do this Or if this happens then this other thing will happen. God uses them a lot.
He always gives an instruction and then says what will happen IF you do it (even if the word IF is not actually there). Joshua 1:8 is an example of this. ‘Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.’
The instructions from God are straightforward and simple. Why do we have so much challenge obeying them? Do we really want the reward that follows? Why are we always struggling to fulfill our part of the If-clause?
What’s your belief
I think it starts with our beliefs. Our beliefs about God and about ourselves. Many of us get our ideas about God from our early life in church (at least that was true for me). I learned early on that church was the place I had to be to grow in my relationship with God and serve God.
As I grew up, I separated church from the rest of my life. If there were ever a separation of church and state, I had it in my life. AND, I felt guilty. At work I felt strong and capable but at church I felt inadequate and not useful. I didn’t see how what I learned at church applied to anything I was doing in my ‘life’. I saw my work as a way to give money to the church or pay for church projects. That felt empty.
My beliefs were a mix of what the church had taught me to believe and what I interpreted from those messages. I struggled with this dual-life for a long time. Successful in my professional life on the one hand and battling my frustration and guilt about serving God on the other.
I thought, there must be a solution.
What’s your design
I love personality profiling. I have loved it since early in my teaching career. It fascinates me how individual we each are and how God has created you and me so unique that no one that has EVER existed is exactly like us.
In my frustration to find a better way to serve God that would not make me more busy, I began to look at how I was approaching my time with Him. I had learned to pray by closing my eyes and talking to God in my head. This method was almost impossible for me. My mind would wander, and I could never focus.
I knew if I could find a way to bring my individuality and the success of my work habits to my faith-life, I would feel better. I was convinced I could have a plan that satisfied this craving in my soul for more of God without it depending on my church attendance.
The solution had to be close.
What’s growth mean
I want to preface this section by saying I did not give up on church BUT I did leave church (for a while). That does not need to be your approach; it may not have even been the best for me. That said, why did I do it? I had to have a new way of looking at God.
I craved intimacy with God and it was eluding me. I had compartmentalized my life so much that I didn’t even know who I was anymore. I was trying to be all things to all people. And I was tired. Tired of trying to be what I thought God required of me. Tired of doing more and more for Him but feeling further away from Him.
I went to the Bible. I started to grow my faith through study and prayer. I chose Bible studies that made me dig into scripture and gave me deep insights (the ones I loved). I also found a prayer method that allowed my mind to focus. I started to connect to God by learning more about Him.
James 4:8 promises (another If-clause), ‘Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.’
There was a solution.
What’s your focus
It is right there. . . we have divided loyalty. It is not that we have to choose to work or choose to have faith. It is not a choice between what the world says and what the church says. It is ONLY what God says and we can live it out anywhere and in any situation; including our work.
When we focus on God and grow more and more down into Him, we have all the answers. We know what to do to serve Him. We know it is about serving where He has us, and for you and me that is the marketplace. It is not about adding more to your busy work-life. It IS about adding God to all parts of your work-life.
Imagine the impact you can make with a focus on serving God through the place where you spend most of your time. Imagine being so connected to God that you see the opportunities to show Christ every day. Imagine finding your way to serve God uniquely through your work.
This is the solution.
What’s your blessing
I will end this with the same scripture from the beginning. Joshua 1:8, ‘Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.’
Success looks different for each one of us. It depends on what you are looking for. I wanted peace and integration. I got that. Success for you might mean knowledge, wisdom, courage, wealth or relationship. It always means hope.
What I have learned through this process is that it must start with God.
- The religious beliefs you may be carrying are keeping you from it.
- It is only in your design can you gain true connection with God.
- There needs to be growth in your relationship with God through Jesus by the study of His Word.
- And, you can only have the focus to do what God is calling you to do if you connect all parts of your life.
The solution is clear.
What’s your choice
Where am I now? Through this journey, God has helped me create a life that is deeply satisfying where I feel significance in what I am doing because I am serving Him through my business, my work.
I understand His plan for me, I am walking in my purpose, and I know His power is in me so I can live it out.
Do you want a life of significance & satisfaction serving God through your work? Do you want to be free of your busyness and come into complete focus around what God has for you?
Now is the time to
- turn around those traditional religious beliefs
- understand how God has designed you
- grow your faith in a personal way
- have focus for bigger impact, and
- enjoy the blessings God promises
Make your appointment to chat with me by clicking HERE. We will go over the plan and see if you are a fit.
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