Don't Give Up

Ever feel like you take one step forward then two steps back? I have before... but, you're doing better than you think. Feelings are not always accurate. We all make mistakes, so don't beat yourself up and don't give up. The trouble comes when you start to give up. If you feel your starting to give up on something in life, as yourself: 'would I regret this decision later in life?' 

I went through a season where I was tempted to give up. Seemed like I couldn't make a right decision on the simplest of day to day things. Took one step forward and two steps back, or so I thought. I learned that my feelings were not a completely accurate representation. Prayer is the best thing to do during these times because Jesus cares about you and will help you what ever problem your facing. 

Your heart matters a lot more than your mistakes. We are not defined by our mistakes in life. What matters more is that your heart is turned toward God and you're seeking the Lord. Don't give up, keep walking and praying. Jesus will help you; the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom.

Verse of the Day:

Mathew 7:7 (NKJV), "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you will find, knock and the door will be open to you." 

Chapters of Study:

Mathew 6:19-34; Mathew 7:7-14

Talents

We are all given talents/gifts to invest in and use for good. As shown in the Parable of the Talents in Mathew 25, our gifts are supposed to be used. Procrastination is a bad habit of mine. I know what I am supposed to do, yet for a variety of excuses my 'favorite' phrase to think is "maybe later". Laziness is not a good thing; being lazy is a decision just as choosing to not make a decision is still a choice. 

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus tells of 3 servants who were each entrusted a certain amount of talents. Two of the three invested their money and came out with double. In the same way we are entrusted with gifts and expected to invest them in our lives. Mathew 7:20 (KJV), "wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." What we do, how we use our gifts, how we conduct ourselves is seen by others; we are meant to represent Christ in our lives.

The last servant, in Mathew 25, buried his talent out of fear. That fear was a hinderance and prevented him from investing. Fear can be a cause of procrastination; fear is can be a bad thing as it can prevent use from seeing what God has in store for our future. It is written in Jeremiah 29:11 that his plans are good and for our good.

Procrastination does not just effect our lives, but the lives of those closest to us. I procrastinate with a lot of things such as school, chores, and my other responsibilities and promises. My choice to put off responsibilities because they required me to deal with other things that made me uncomfortable was a selfish decision that effected other people. 

Mathew 25 teaches us that our gifts are meant to be used. We are not meant to be sitting idle. Even with Covid-19, we can still take actions to positively impact other people. I challenge you to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you, and do what ever you have been putting off.

Verse of the day:

Mathew 6:21(ESV) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Chapter of Study:

Mathew 25