Tough Cuts (Choose the Better Thing)

There I was, bent over the toilet scrubbing it clean while carrying on a weighty conversation with God. The crazy thing is it was 1 a.m.!

For the fourth night this week, I had too much to accomplish to crawl into bed before the wee hours of the morning (or at least I thought I did); thus, the dialogue with my Father.

There are just too many things for one person (little ole me) to get done in a 24-hour period, even if I didn’t sleep. Something has to give. The difficult part is deciding what!

Although I would truly love for my days to be less hectic, when the Holy Spirit nudges me to cut out one of my “to-dos,” I dig in my heals.

I wonder how many of you also have conversations like the following with your Maker:

“I can’t give that up! Who would do it?”

“You’ve gotta be kidding! I’m the only one for that job.”

“But I’m comfortable in that role, and it holds such special memories!”

If you are anything like me, you’re certain God couldn’t accomplish His tasks without you, yet you dread the crazy life you’ve created.

Now don’t get me wrong, everything I’m caught up in is worth doing, things that need to be done. But do they really need to be done by me?

I try to be Supermom, Dynawife, Foreverfriend, and Awesomeworker, all rolled into one. One frazzled, happy-on-the-outside/unraveling-on-the-inside lady!

Lately, God is insisting (tenderly) that I prioritize my life and let some obligations go.

I shouldn’t be cleaning the bathroom at 1 a.m. My Sunday School preparation shouldn’t be crammed in shortly before midnight on Saturday. God, spouse, and children time shouldn’t be hit or miss, or worse, viewed as a burden.

I know why I do it—this sprinting through the marathon that is life. I do it because it feels good to be praised. People’s words of affirmation build me up. And to be honest, there is a need.

However, just because there is a need, doesn’t mean it is mine to fill.

Just because there is a need, doesn’t mean it yours to fill. Seek God's approval, and let the Holy Spirit guide you. Share on X

Let God Lead

The “conversation” last night (and into the early morning) helped me see that I need to change my thinking in two ways.

First, I should be seeking the Lord’s approval. His is the only one that truly matters.

Second, I need to be cognizant of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the area of serving and choose that which He directs me to. 

If the task at hand is not in some way blessing my family or glorifying God or is pulling me away from an assignment that is more aligned with my gifts, then I need to reconsider its place in my life.

God does want us to serve. He wants us to reach out to others in need.

However, He doesn’t want us so busy doing that we have no time for caring.

God does want us serving, but He doesn’t want us so busy 'doing' that we have no time for caring. Share on X

Choose Wisely

As with Martha (Luke 10: 40–42), God wants us to choose the better thing. When we put the Lord first, family second, and then align our gifts and calling with the duties we agree to perform, we are doing just that.

So, over the next few weeks I will be re-prioritizing my life, following the prompting of the Holy Spirit to choose that better thing, pursuing the more abundant life.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10, NIV).

Reflections: Whose approval do you value? Do you feel like it is time to reprioritize the “to-dos” in your life or perhaps drop some appointments?