“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4
I apparently can’t stand being inconsistent. Least in certain things. Spiritual life and physical training. God woke me up at 3 am and helped me make the connection. You’ll never get super strong if you’re inconsistent in your training. You’ll never grow your faith, if you’re inconsistent in stretching it. The Lord’s been stretching my…imagination i guess is the right word…of what is possible, or normal. The one thing being, wanting to be open while I’m driving to anywhere or anyone God may want me to stop and talk to. Which I have done…once that I can think of in the last couple weeks. It went well. I got to talk with a lady sitting outside CVS who had been battling cancer and a host of family relationship problems. But God has definitely been using her to draw her family closer to Him and she’s been an example of standing in God’s strength.
However I don’t always feel like stopping and going out of my way, and I honestly sometimes hope I don’t have to. Then proceed to feel bad for not wanting to stop. However, my Father’s reminded me repeatedly that He’s proud of me, regardless of what I’ve done, do or don’t do. Simply because I’m His son! He’s such a good, good Father!
On second thought, here’s my journal entry:
“What is it about being inconsistent in the gym that drives me crazy I can’t just go in and spin wheels never making much progress. I’d rather lift consistently or go strictly body weight training. But missing days drives me nuts. I think it’s the same with my spiritual life. Living inconsistently with who I am and what I believe eats away at me. Whether missed opportunities, or perceived missed opportunities, inconsistently taking time to talk to and pray for people drives me crazy. I’m done with being inconsistent and holding back the fire God’s put inside of me. My old life of passivity is not able to survive in my new life. The more I step out, the more efficient I’ll become, more conditioned. Let the fire grow. Father, what do you have to say bout this?”
“You’re right on Son. You have to be consistent in order to make progress. Let the fire grow. Be consistent in stepping out and the fire will grow. I am with you Son. You don’t have to be afraid.”
So yeah…I’m currently in the process of learning to first and foremost, pursue my relationship with my Father, living out of His approval, not for it, and being constantly aware and open of what He’s doing and inviting me to be a part of. God is so good!
