I want to say a big thank you to Darlene, the contributors and all the readers who joined us for the Women Living Well Book Club. This was such a blessing! I hope you have been encouraged and that together, we would build strong homes of faith that shine in a dark world.
Let me share this in closing with you…
In 2004, Matt Emmons was at the Olympic games about to win the gold in the rifle competition. All he had to do was hit the target to win. He aimed – shot – bingo! He hit it!
The only problem, he had focused on the wrong target. He was in lane two but had focused on lane 3 and hit the wrong target!
How many times in life have we focused on achieving goals only to find that the achievement is empty. It doesn’t deliver the happiness we were seeking. We were focusing on the wrong target.
As we come to the end of the Women Living Well Book Club it’s a good time to reflect and ask ourselves –are we living well?
Are we daily drinking from the living well, the living words of God, and finding a life of abundance or have we traded in the refreshing waters of Jesus for the mirky waters of the world, that don’t quench our thirst?
When we are in God’s word daily, it changes the entire course of our lives.
Elizabeth Elliot says in her book Discipline-The Glad Surrender: “Time management, a highly developed science today, begins for the Christian with time set aside for God. Other things cannot fall into a peaceful order if this is omitted.”
Here is why time management begins with time spent with God… how will we know how to spend our time – what we should commit to and what we should say “no” to, if we are not in communion with God? How will we know what course our lives should take?
As God’s children we should be praying “Thy will be done” but often times we are praying “my list be done.”
The risk here is that we may put on our plate more than God would put on our plate – and as a result raise our stress levels. We aim at the wrong targets!
Jesus says – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”~ Matthew 11:28,29
When our stress levels are high – it is nearly impossible to be kind, patient, gentle and in tune with our family. We are too busy to stop to care and there is absolutely no room for error in the day. We need to guard our time so there is room to breathe – room to care, read a mind stretching-soul inspiring book, soak in a bubble bath or linger long in bed with our spouse.
These are gifts that God has given us to enjoy.
What gifts have you turned down from God because you are over-committed or pursuing the wrong things?
“There is always enough time to do the will of God.”~Elizabeth Elliot
As we determine the course of our lives may we remember Philippians 3:12-14:
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Press on. Though our journey may be uncertain and the road rocky, if we desire to live well, we must daily run to the living well and drink from it. Holiness must be our driving force. Together, let’s intentionally tune out the clamor of the world as we listen to the voice of the Creator of the world. He loves you so!
Keep walking with the King!
Courtney
Courtney blogs at WomenLivingWell.org on the topics of faith, marriage, parenting, and homemaking. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for nearly 17 years. She homeschools her son and daughter and is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute.
Courtney is also the author of the newly released book Women Living Well: Finding Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids and Your Home.
You can follow Courtney’s ministry on Facebook,Twitter, Pinteres
I love this! How inspiring to remember the most important thing of all…”Sitting at the feet of Jesus.”
I am often guilty of praying my list be done instead of God’s will.
This came in a very timely manner in my life. God Bless
Thanks! A great reminder to PRESS ON by starting my day, BEING STILL, before Him. The world and my flesh tempt me to “hit the ground running” BUT GOD has a much more effective way and you described in beautifully. Blessings!
Thank you for writing this! It is right on!! I wasn’t able to do the study but I am reading the book and every time I pick it up, it is just what The Lord is dealing with in my life.
Thank you!
Holly
I quite like reading through a post that can make people think.
Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!