I know that I can’t be the only one . . .
Perhaps you've also found yourself scrambling to meet your goals, pushing yourself to do more, but failing to see the results you'd hoped for.
Lately, I’ve found myself working with such diligence and trying so, so hard.
My efforts went toward accomplishing tasks, meeting deadlines, and reaching goals. Some days have been grueling.
Let me back up—I hadn’t snatched my dreams and goals out of thin air. I formulated them after much prayer and conversation with God.
So how did I come to that place of utter frustration? How did I seemingly run ahead of God? My emotions, not my faith, colored reality. You’d think after being a Christ follower for so many decades, I’d be immune to that pitfall.
Somewhere along the journey, I took all the responsibility for success on my own shoulders. I felt devastated when the results weren’t what I had wanted to see, when the timeline was behind my schedule.
It looked like the finish line wasn’t only moved; the finish line was so far away it could barely be seen.
One day in particular I was weary and discouraged. And believe it or not, I found encouragement on social media. A friend had posted a two-sentence update that stopped me in my tracks. I liked it so much, I made a meme to remind me:
“You don’t need to try harder. Instead, trust God will finish the work He started.” ~Dana Arcuri
So now I’ve reset my expectations and checked my emotions. Hopefully, prayerfully, I’ll stay on track and walk with God instead of running ahead under my own power.
Surely, I'm not the only one who's dealt with this. Have you ever experienced the frustration of trying to do it all, all by yourself? What helped you to get out of that rut?
The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. Psalm 138:8
Want to learn more about my wise friend, Dana? Visit her at her website.