Wednesday, June 17, 2015

How To Succeed in 1 Easy Step


I got this note card in the mail yesterday from one of my pen pals. (Yes, I have pen pals.) It is so nice to get something in the mail besides bills sometimes.

Anyway, I really like this quote.

For me, what I thought would make me happy was a relationship. It hasn't happened. A few weeks ago, I realized it was an idol and let it go. Removing that idol has been a continual work. I fight off thoughts some days. The main thing is, I am doing it. 

It feels like that "door to happiness" like the card says, was slammed shut in my face.  Yet all I have done is looked at the closed door instead of moving forward. Silly me!

I have something that I have been praying about for a while now. It was somewhat of a "dream" that I was ignoring. Once I got my eyes off that other door, this door became visible.

I think God wants me to become a Zumba instructor. I am super excited about it! My friends Barbara and Reggie have inspired me with their vision and support. I love helping people. Zumba has helped me so much. What better way to give back than teach?

How I will succeed at instructing Zumba? I'm glad you asked!

Proverbs 16: 2 & 3 has our answer, "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed."

You see, you can't have one without the other.

Your motives HAVE to be pure. As well as, you HAVE to commit your plans to God.

Yesterday's Jesus Calling devotional's 2nd paragraph says this, "I have called each of My children to a different path, distinctly designed for that one. Do not let anyone convince you that his path is the only right way. And be careful not to extol your path as superior to another's way. What I require of you is to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Me - wherever I lead."

If you would have asked me last year if I would ever want to instruct a Zumba class, I would have told you that's a crazy idea! It never crossed my mind. Honestly, I didn't think I had it in me. And of course, the enemy is going to attack and tell me I'm not good enough. BUT I'm not going to listen to him. I am going to keep moving forward and follow God's leading.

God knows your motives. If it's about making money for you; check what your plans are for the money. If it's about being famous, why do you want to be famous?
 Your motives behind what you do makes a huge difference.

If your motives are on track with God, then commit whatever you are doing to Him.

Then, as the Jesus Calling Devotional says.. DO NOT let someone distract you or cause you to doubt what God has called you to.

We were each designed uniquely with gifts, talents, and skills.

God wants to use them for His glory.

What is something you are dreaming of, thinking of doing, or starting to do that you want to succeed at? I would love to hear about it and pray for you!


3 comments:

  1. Excellent post and incredibly timely as I was ruminating (as in 'I have been chewing the same thoughts for years now and still not any closer to a solution') about this this morning. I know exactly what you are saying BUT am never sure if my motives are REALLY pure. I try to root out any greed or selfishness or anything that would pull me away from God, but honestly can I really be sure that I am innocent? Not really. So I just sort of stew, wanting to be me but afraid that I will get heady or arrogant or prideful or selfish or ......something.

    So I get excited about the idea for about 30 seconds, then wonder if I am really trying to bring glory to God or if this is a trick to make me elevate myself, blah blah blah. I truly can't go forward without knowing if my motives are pure enough because I cannot risk working against the Lord in any way. But then there is no peace in just sitting still either-- though I don't know if that is a restless will (human side) or the Lord wants me to move forward (if I am burying talents).

    Did you ever go through this? If so, how did you overcome it?

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    1. OH! One more thought: How does one know the difference between excitement about something and diligence where one focuses and works and devotes energy vs "idol"?

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  2. I understand how you feel. What I do is strive to be the best me possible. I pray, I listen to sermons, Bible verses, devotionals and friends. If I am doing something "off" or "wrong" then, I pray to be sure it's a God thing and make changes. I think the key here is being yourself and honoring God with your talents and skills. Excitement about something is good and the difference is you aren't constantly thinking about it. An idol is something you think of too many times a day! I know that is it at least for me anyway. I over come it by fighting the thoughts when they arrive. I think about God and let Him help me. Peace comes from God. If you have peace about something, then I am pretty sure He's cool with it.

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