Every January my husband declares the word for the year to our church. From Thanksgiving to the first Sunday of January, the congregation eagerly awaits the word that will sustain and empower us all year long. This year was no different. And as Tony stood flat-footed and declared that this was The Year of Divine Order, I was amazed as he inspired and instructed us to get our houses in order. He systematically itemized a list that made us question our motives, access our ambition and confront our laziness. I was convicted. When I thought of my to-do list, my list of aspirations and my wish list it seemed that I somehow allowed those things to be covered with the cobwebs of busyness and idleness. What a contradiction! I had a lot of work to do. My goals were attainable, but I readily allowed my schedule to be clouded with more stuff to do. I could be more productive but daily I walked a maze of indecisiveness and loss of focus. When I could be outlining a chapter or organizing my office, I easily would choose to watch a favorite program or take a very long nap. (Not that naps are bad...they can take up a lot of productive time.)
I have to admit that I tend to do too many things at once and my expectation of excellence is often short lived. When I look at the important things like taking care of my mother, my children, my home I often am disappointed because my wish list isn't being fulfilled. We won't even mention my perosnal time with God. But doing those things are very important. I have to do them with the acknowledgement that they must come first AND I can still be productive with just a little more organization. Isn't it funny, when you know what to do but you choose not to do it?
But this is the seaon of order, Divine Order, and we, as believers, must choose to pursue it. Even if it means reassessing our lifestyles, our habits and our secret idiosyncrasies. Order must be pursued if success is going to be obtained. For many it might be intimidating. But the good news is, it is still January. I have enough time to make this year more productive. I can reassess my goals and plan accordingly so I can accomplish those things that will make me feel productive and successful. One thing that I have to admit is that I am very busy. Mother, wife, daughter, minister, manager, writer, coordinator, teacher, preacher and administrator are the main things that I do. I have mastered the art of juggling a thousand balls at once but that isn't order. That is having too many options that don't meet my standard of excellence.
In getting my house in order I must strategize my day where I am more effective, more productive and I am taking better care of myself. Less stress, more discipline and more rest. Rest may mean a bubble bath instead of a short shower. Rest may mean a short nap when I feel frazzled or tense. Rest may mean a long ride with my husband just to exhale and destress. Then there is organization. I need to master the art of list making. I do this in my head daily, but I carry a planner that at year's end is full of clean pages. To me, it's really simple. Taking the time to make a daily list is one way to keep me structured and organzied. Planning is worthless when your task list is inconsistent and unclear. The next mandate is follow through. When I make the list, it is imperative that I follow through finishing at much as I can. Delegation must be expanded to more areas in my life. It will relieve me from the pressure of doing so much and I can then focus on my wish list. (My wish list is writing my book and getting it accepted by a publisher by the end of 2020!)
It seems like a lot but that what order is about. Order can be defined as "a standard or prescribed arrangements of component parts". In other words I need a "1, 2, 3 method" of doing things. A systematic viewpoint that will guide me through my daily decisions and responsibilities. The wonderful thing about it all is, IT CAN BE DONE! With focus, prayer and perserverance, it can be done. And I am just the woman to do it!!!
Why Big Shoes?
Because each day God requires us to walk in obedience, no matter how hard or long the journey. We need to walk in those shoes with boldness, confidence and courage. Everyone needs spiritual "Big Shoes" that will take them to new levels of spiritual impartation and revelation. I've learned, the hardest thing is we need the strength to put them on each day. And that takes faith. Who wants to walk in "Big Shoes" when you have been hurt or betrayed? Who has the courage to walk in "Big Shoes" when fear has your spirit gripped so tight you refuse to trust God to take you through your darkest days? The amazing thing is when you put on those "Big Shoes", the struggle doesn't seem so hard. God and His Holy Spirit carries you through the toughest journeys - even when you think you are walking alone. As you walk, the heaviness of the struggle doesn't seem to weigh you down as much. You force yourself to take one step at a time, pressing, pushing your way through every obstacle that rises up against you.
There is no need to try to do it all yourself when God is there to lead you to still waters and those luscious green pastures. No, walking in Big Shoes, simply means you have the courage to shout out to God, "I can't do this without you". Before you know it, you are at the place He wants you to be, encouraged, empowered, enabled to move forward in faith, confidence and trust.
There is no need to try to do it all yourself when God is there to lead you to still waters and those luscious green pastures. No, walking in Big Shoes, simply means you have the courage to shout out to God, "I can't do this without you". Before you know it, you are at the place He wants you to be, encouraged, empowered, enabled to move forward in faith, confidence and trust.
