The beige, the boring, the bland. Things I have never wanted anything to do with. My natural inclination is to sprint straight into the exciting and run as fast as I can away from anything I deem to be dreary or dull.
As much as spontaneity and the love of adventure are great characteristics, I found myself to have quite the problematic mindset surrounding anything not impulsive and exhilarating.
In today’s culture, a common pattern of thinking has been emerging.
So many people are developing the mindset of, “Life is just one big adventure; live from one thrill to the next!” This is a dangerous game to play, because you can so easily get addicted to the next high or the next travel destination, and you miss out on so much beauty and satisfaction that can only come from commitment.
So many of life’s most rewarding things are the small moments; times with close friends, minor accomplishments, following through with your commitments and witnessing hard-earned growth. Without committing to people or to places, you miss out on the fruit of having long-term relationships; you can’t see and sew into the slow but steady growth of your town if you don’t invest time into one.
Keep hold of vision
In my past, I constantly struggled with doing things I had no passion for. If I had no passion for something, all my motivation seemed to disappear, and I found myself becoming overwhelmed and stressed at even the thought of my responsibility.
This was a major roadblock in my study and work life and had a great emotional impact on me. Continuously dealing with intense stress became a heavy burden, and my overall mental state was negatively affected.
Once I became aware of this, I had to analyse my thoughts and perspectives and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to me what was stopping me from studying and working effectively. I asked the Holy Spirit:
Why am I not passionate about this?
In response, the words I heard were; “You can’t find passion for this because you’ve lost your vision. Because you can’t see the goal, you can’t see any purpose.”
In that moment, the Holy Spirit unveiled to me that I was living near-sightedly.
Instead of calling to mind the life full of joy and wonder that God has promised me, I got caught up in doubt and uncertainty. I forgot about the destiny God had spoken over me and traded that peace for anxiety and confusion.
“'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah chapter 29, verse 11
I had to revisit this verse and start believing it again.
Peace amidst uncertainty
From that point on, I had to constantly make conscious decisions to remember my vision.
Even when I was surrounded by uncertainty and confusion, my vision remained the same; everything I do is unto the Lord.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians chapter 3, verse 23
In any situation, everything we do is for God. Whether you can see a clear plan for the next 5 years or whether you can only see the next 5 minutes, live as though you were doing it for the Lord; because you are!
When we align ourselves to the Word of God, it gives us the courage and grit to commit when times are tough. The Word of God is what reminds us of what we’re called to even when it’s confusing and hard to see.
The effort
Committing to things is hard. Plain and simple. Commitment takes work, effort and a whole lot of grit.
But, sticking through the tough times is where you dig the deepest wells and grow the most fruit. Whether you’re committing to the Lord, to friendships, family, your job or your studies, your vision remains the same. Everything is for the Lord, and he always rewards his children for their faithfulness.
Believe me, the fruit of commitment is well worth the effort!
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm chapter 37, verse 5
Laura Miles is an excitable and fast-paced Brit, living in Australia. After recently committing to studying, she is ready and expectant to see all that the crazy things that the Lord is going to do in her life.
Laura Murphy is an excitable and fast-paced Brit, living in Australia. She can’t sit still; she has a serious addiction to sudoku, and she can be won over by a good cup of tea and a laugh. Studying to become a doctor, she is expectant and excited to see all that God is going to do with her life.