Circle of Life

When I say, "Circle of Life" I'm not talking about the song from Lion King. In connection with the post earlier this week on Listening to and Obeying God, I wanted to share a few thoughts about the typical circle of never-ending frustration that keeps us in a pattern of very little action, change, or fruit coming from our lives. God wants us to walk in a circle of life, not frustration.

There have been many times in the past that I've sensed God speaking to me, and as a result, I'd spend a lot of time thinking about it. I would stop and observe what He was saying. I'd even reflect on what I was observing by asking questions like why? how? when? what? etc. Then, I'd start discussing my observations and reflections with the people in my life. However, this is where it would stop.

If you are anything like me, you probably love to talk about what's going on. At the same time, if we're all honest, we tend to talk about things a lot more than we actually act on what we're discussing. This is where the never-ending circle of frustration takes shape. God doesn't speak to us so that we can merely take note of what He's saying and discuss it with others. He speaks to us so that we'll take action; it's when you take action that you go from the circle of never-ending frustration to the circle of life.

So how do you take action on what God's saying to you? I've learned that two steps are essential to entering the circle of life and leaving the circle of frustration.

1- Make a plan. You'll have to develop some action steps and a process by which you will complete those steps. You may need a mentor, friend, spouse, pastor, etc to help you do this, but if you are serious about making some changes, you have to make a plan. Don't expect anything to change if you aren't willing to stop long enough to develop a plan.

2- Find accountability. You won't hold yourself accountable no matter how hard you try. You need to share your plan with someone and ask them to hold you accountable.

Then, you must act! Moving from the circle of never-ending frustration is ultimately up to you. You will eventually have to DO something different.

Yes, listen to God and be willing to do what He says, but also know that it'll take some intentional focus and effort to move from where you are to where God wants you to be. The great news is that He will give you the strength and wisdom to do so. You just need to listen to God and actually DO what He says.