This morning I woke up at 4:00, prayed, made coffee, and returned to my upstairs office to do a little writing. What I noticed as I walked back up was that I felt good — I mean really good. I was standing upright — not slumped over. I wasn’t winded after going up and down that flight of stairs a few times. This is what it must feel like to be free, unencumbered, alive. I put both hands in the air and stretched — extending my hands as high as I could and gave God a high five for giving me my daily bread. What a privilege it is to serve as his hands and feet.
Life would be so easy if all we had to do was what we wanted to do. Fortunately, we get to do so much more, but it’s not easy. Changing and growing as a result of surrender is hard work. It’s not always pretty either. To God, you’re beautiful, and his opinion is all that truly matters.
It’s time to get back to business — the business of taking steps toward surrendering the main thing that’s keeping you tethered to the world rather than the vine. It’s not serving any purpose other than causing you grief. By now, you have identified it. So, let’s write a S.M.A.R.T. goal. A S.M.A.R.T. goal is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-sensitive. Here’s a sample (but you are welcome to create your own):
Today I’m starting a 30-Day fast from complaining because it is a worldly behavior that keeps me tethered to the world rather than the vine. Apart from the vine, I cannot grow. I will never become a better version of myself without surrendering my habit of complaining. I will do this by finding a verse about complaining to study and pray God’s words back to him. In 30 days’ time, I will be free of this worldly behavior.
It doesn’t take long to break a bad habit, but it takes action on your part. We can’t just passively pray; you must move toward the vision you spoke into existence on day four. Scroll down to the comments and share your S.M.A.R.T. goals. May blessings abound! <3
NOTE – Click here to learn the S.O.A.P. method for digging deeper into scripture.
Click here to continue to Day 6 – Moving Mountains.
So much YES! Michelle – I love the SMART technique you offer 😀 xx
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
Reblogged this on fiercefabulousfunny and commented:
This is a great reminder for me. It’s time for me to surrender the things that have held me hostage for 7 years. I have no control today nor have I had control the past 7 years
Today I am letting go of worry and timid behavior. The result of worry behavior has kept me quiet and down in the past. Today, I choose to cut this chain of worry in order to soar and become who God has created me to be. I trust God’s word and commit to replacing my defeating words with His powerful words that I will study, pray and allow to transform my thoughts. In 30 days time, I will be free of this worldly behavior.
Glory to God! I’m praying with you, sister!
I like that 30 day fast from complaining. We can do a lot if 30 day fasting from whatever emotional bad habit we have. Thanks for the inspiration.
We’re inspiring each other, Katherine. 😀
Today I am letting go of trying to please everyone somehow I will with the help of the Holy Spirit still be a peacemaker but not a people pleaser. The first day has already been a challenge but I am convinced that I will grow closer to God by leaning on Him. My verse is:
1 Thessalonians 2:4
But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak not to please man but to please God who tests our hearts.
Amen! I’ll take note of this verse to share with other people pleasers who are ready to change the way they think. By the way, I included the S.O.A.P. method in the Day 6 message.
Today I’m starting a fast from living a life of hopelessness. The reality is, I do not have–YET, anyway😉– everything that I would like to have, but God has certainly blessed me with a lot!! Living life based upon my current circumstances reveals my lack of faith and is a worldly behavior that keeps me tethered to the world rather than the vine. Apart from the vine, I cannot grow. Therefore, I will declare and BELIEVE God’s Word by my words and my actions. I will also begin to prepare financially for my future instead of giving into the “what’s the use??” thoughts. I will commit to spending daily uninterrupted time with Him in order to have my mind renewed and transformed by the reading/studying of His Word and His Presence. By the end of this 21 day fast, I will be free of the worldly behavior known as thinking/living hopelessly.
Nothing is wasted with our Lord, Cecily. He uses every single circumstance to refine us — gently fashioning you into the woman he designed you to be. Which scripture will you use as sustenance for this fast?
Indeed, Michelle. 🙂
My anchor verse will be: Romans 12:2 New International Version (NIV)
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
#beingtransformed🦋
Today I am starting a fast from worry. Worry is depressing and separates me from God. I cannot surrender fully unless worry is removed from my life. In 30 days’ time I will be happier and healthier because I will have broken the habit of worry.
Anne, do you have an anchor verse to pray during your fast?
Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Matthew 7:31-33
I am playing catch up.
Yaaay! Please continue to share your thoughts. I love engaging with all of you!
From this day forward, I begin to a faith walk, to trust God to know what’s best for me. I will rely totally on God and His word. I must surrender myself to Him. To surrender it takes me changing and growing near to God. This is my S.MA.R.T. goal.
S for surrender
M for moved
A for attitude
R for Reaching my goals
T for trusting God with my life
Well said
Thank you!