Last.Damn.Call

“A willing heart is the first step in finding God’s will in our lives,” quoted by David Jeremiah.

You know how your kids moan and groan or let out a heavy sigh when you ask them to do something ridiculously hard like…oh, I don’t know…unload the dishwasher or pick their wet towel up off the floor? Well, I have this gut feeling that’s how our Heavenly Father would feel about us adults (if He were a human here amongst us in the flesh and all) when we fight so hard to resist what we know He asks of us.

And I am not talking about challenging things like speaking in church or helping someone financially or by giving up your only day off to help a friend move furniture or paint their house. I am referring to simple things like showing simple gratitude and praying. Little daily choices–being more patient and slower to anger.

John 13:34 says to love one another as He has loved us.

Most humans are a little bit of a mess, aren’t we? He loves us in our mess, so we are called to behave in a loving manner to others when they seem to “be a mess” in our human eyes. It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to invite them over for dinner but to love them (through kindness or even praying for them or with them) when they may need it most.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

A willing heart means being a willing volunteer and a joyful servant-not the one that thinks, “I will do it because I should, but I am gonna do it with a frown thru gritted teeth. I won’t enjoy helping so and so, but I am being obedient, so here goes…you are seeing this, right, God?” Cue the heavy sign and eye roll. Like a teenager with a chore, right? That’s not a willing heart. It doesn’t reflect a heart that’s properly aligned with God’s will. It is no different than when your mom made you play with a kid against your will–I will do it because Mom said to, but I am gonna be mad about it.

That’s obedience with a side of resentment and bitterness. A true willing heart helps you feel fulfilled. When you feel fulfilled, you want to be more obedient, in turn, strengthening your faith, and growing closer to God.

You can pray for a willing heart–cultivating your heart. To cultivate is to prepare something for growth. Farmers prepare the soil to produce crops. You cultivate your heart in the same way–setting the stage for a strong foundation, one where your relationship with God can grow roots and encourage growth. Much like crops, we need to nurture our bodies and minds to foster our personal relationship with God.

Per usual, I often write about things that I am working on in my life. Not to scold or shake a finger at anyone–Lord knows (literally) that I am the last person who needs to frown upon anyone else. But I kinda figure if I share things I struggle with or am making a true effort to improve upon, someone else may need to hear what I am sharing. It’s like we do in AA when we share our stories or struggles–take what you need and leave what you don’t.

I don’t have any answers. I don’t have it all figured out. But I do feel called to share things that have helped me “lighten the load of life” so to speak. And it would be super selfish of me to not share that with others–someone who might need to read something I write. Even if it’s one person. That’s more than enough, in my eyes.

Here’s a few last thoughts:

“We can embrace change by knowing we serve an unchanging God.” David Jeremiah.

Willingness to get out of our comfort zone and do things that may at first seem different from what we are used to means knowing we need to adjust ourselves at times and trust that God is working in us and through us.

From Ephesians 4:29 Speak encouragement daily. Words prepare you for deeds. (See… Cultivating! Told ya so:)

Speak Encouragement Daily. Words Prepare You for Deeds.

Your beliefs become your thoughts,

Your thoughts become your words,

Your words become your actions,

Your actions become your habits,

Your habits become your values,

Your values become who you are at your very core.

Simply put, it’s a short distance for your beliefs and thoughts to spiral into habits and values that make you who you are. For better or worse, depending on the path you choose.