Get Me Off Of This Hamster Wheel - Please!

Are you frazzled?   Did the start of the New Year bring anxietyor dread?   Are you over-committed? Do youfeel like you're running faster and faster to just keep up with everything?      Well – you're notalone! 
This year in particularI'm feeling a sense that God wants me to re-evaluate my day-to-day schedule andgeneral life purpose.  In preparation forthis – I'm asking Him to validate and confirm His plans for me in the weeks andmonths ahead through His Word, His people, and His Spirit.  There are even some private family matters thatare stealing some of my time, energy and emotional stamina.  All themore reason for me to press into God, and seek the mind of Christ in thismatter.
I am putting thesethoughts on paper (as well as in this post) for a reason:  Writing things down brings a level ofcommitment that in turn helps us meet our goals.  It's an accountability method that God usedwith the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk. The Lord told him to, "Write thevision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it"  (Hab.2:2).  Habakkuk needed to deliberatelycast the vision before the people as a catalyst for their obedience.  God assured him that though the vision may be delayedfar into the future, God would surely bring it to pass.  God's timing is not our timing.  His ways are not our ways.  If your plans are God-inspired, God ordained,and God led, they will come to fruition.
These are the four areasHe is clearly speaking to me:
Prepare        Plan       Prioritize        Pursue
PREPAREThis step involves quietness before the Lord. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, andknow that I am God".  Prayer andspending time in God's Word helps our Spirit prepare for what He has to say to us regarding ourindividual lives and service to Him.  However,beware of choosing your own destiny. Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heartplans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  God's inspiration is often the medium used tobind the project spiritually to Him.  HisSpirit bears witness with your Spirit as you begin to walk in His willconcerning your endeavors.
 PLANThis is a two-step process:  1. Count the cost   2. Give your agenda to God Counting the cost ishelpful in determining your supply line and tools necessary to complete theventure.  Jesus said in Luke 14:28-30, "…for which of you, intending to build atower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough tofinish it – lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finishit, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and wasnot able to finish."  Of course, Hewas talking about what it would take to become one of His disciples – but theprinciple still applies to your level of follow-through and commitment.
Jesus will be the ultimate"supply line" and He will gift you for what He calls you to do. You may need toevaluate the time required, family obligations, health concerns, or othervariables in order to say "yes" at this time in your life.
Giving your agenda to God involves believing in the trustworthiness of His Sovereignty, and in knowing that He is thearchitect and builder of your blueprints. Psalm 33:10 says, "He [The Lord]makes the plans of the people of no effect."  In other words, when God interrupts ourwell-ordered and designed map for our life, we need to recognize and welcome itas an opportunity – not a hindrance. God's route to the finish line will most likely not be what youhad in mind.  
PRIORITIZEThis is ultimately the most effective way tobring about your plans in a smooth and stress-free manner.  As Christians, God gives us spiritual purposeand direction.  His love "compels us" to live for Him and serveHim in a way that bring Him glory. 
How do we effectivelyprioritize all that we have to do? How do we determine in what order we should pursue ourobligations and dreams?  Much of learninghow to prioritize is learning to focus on the necessary tasks.  There are many things competing for yourattention and time. Learning to listen to theLord's voice and the prompt of His Spirit is imperative to setting up yourpriorities. Not every good thing is a God thing.
Remember - when we submitto and honor our spouses, parents, employers and church leaders – we are doingit unto the Lord Himself.  We need to usewisdom and spiritual sensitivity as we arrange our schedules and assignments.  It's okay to not say "Yes" to every invitation andministry opportunity. Will you make the right decision every time?  No! Just remember, "…all things worktogether for good to those who love God, to those who are the called accordingto His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
PURSUEThis step involves the volition of thewill.  We need to "go after" our dream,project or ministry with a genuine determination to lift Christ up and stay inthe background as John the Baptist did. He boldly proclaimed, "He mustincrease, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). 
The Apostle Paul told thechurch at Colosse, "And whatever you do,do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:23).  Bless the Lord by pursuing your duties andprojects with an attitude of gratitude – not a sour disposition.  Do your personal best and rely on Hisstrength, grace and gifting to provide the desired results.  God wants your availability – not yourability. 
To sum it all up – thisyear is my year for action.  Not to runout and get ahead of God – but to fall in line behind Him – walking in His footsteps as we journey forward inlife together I'mgetting rather dizzy on that hamster wheel - and not getting anywhere either…






Deborah is theauthor of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the LordJesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader toembrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com