Monday, June 6, 2011

Stepping Stones: Run Less, Go Farther

Transformational Thought

When I first started Lighthouse Network, I had a clear goal of what Lighthouse would develop to uniquely help people. My vision of the tactical path to get to that goal was less clear. I asked God to show me the path and so many opportunities, directions, and possibilities came my way. I pursued a lot of them, not knowing which ones would pan out as I was trying to get the ministry off the ground financially and logistically.

Sometimes, I would do so much in a day I really amazed myself. In fact, I would get on a roll for several weeks, thinking, “I’m on fire.” Then a month later, I’d look back and realize, some of that activity was wasted because nothing really resulted from some of those frantic startup efforts.

Getting the most out of what we do … being efficient … makes life so much easier. Ideally, if we only knew now how the future would play out, we would know exactly where to invest – or not invest - our time and energy today.

So the big question is, “How do we know the future … the secret to high efficiency … so we won’t waste effort … but we will maximize our God-given potential?” Answer: Spend time with God and ask Him to show You His will and especially His timeline. He will give you rest and will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body, and spirit … and the path before you will clear and open up. When you follow His direction, you will save great amounts of time and energy. and ultimately do less but accomplish way more.

Today, take some honest inventory regarding your recent activities. Are you in line with God’s goals and timeline or are you working hard but going on detours and hitting dead ends? Realizing that He knows where He wants me is a great reminder and comfort to me. Take off the conforming lenses of this world, step outside of yourself, and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see in you? What future does He have for you? What fears or concerns get in the way of pursuing His future for you? Weigh that fear against the angst of not pursuing His will for you. This realization was a major turning point in my life; I think it will affect yours as well. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father, There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. And when I lose my sense of direction, I begin spinning in circles as my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You. Help me use them wisely, my Lord. Draw me closer to You … to know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me, so I can do it well and please You. I pray this in the name of my ultimate model and guide, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exodus 33:14

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10