Sometimes the most difficult part of accomplishing something is just getting started. We have all been gifted to do good works, but taking the first step determines our success in fulfilling our call.
A moment of truth, right off the bat …. I have been thinking, writing, praying, erasing what I’ve written, trying to put together today’s devotion and it’s been a struggle. I’ve moved to various locations throughout my house hoping to find some inspiration or a spark of thought. Nothing has been coming together, or at least not coming together in the way I would like. Most of the time, I get a thought or a title and begin to expound on it as I study and read. Not this time. So, I came to sit in my backyard. It’s a beautiful day with just the right amount of breeze rustling through the trees, the weather is absolutely perfect, my two little dogs are quietly enjoying the shade and I just decided to write down the one thought that has been going through my mind and that is …. “where do I start?”
Today isn’t the first time I’ve ever asked myself this question. In fact, I’ve probably asked it a hundred times in varying situations. I remember when I first felt the tug of the Holy Spirit to start writing a blog, this question came up within in me over and over. I didn’t know the first thing about doing it, I just knew I was supposed to. So, what did I do? I just started. I started where I was with what I did know, and that was knowing how to “google it”! I know that sounds crazy, but sometimes, you’ve just gotta start, and where you start might just be learning how to start. And that’s okay! We all have to start somewhere, right?
I believe we can find spiritual lessons in just about anything we come across in life, and this is no different. God has called each of us to accomplish something and many of us struggle with knowing where to start in the thing He has called us. For some reason, we tend to think that if we don’t jump out of the gate knowing the start to finish and everything in between, then we must not be ready yet. While it may be true that we might not be fully developed for the ultimate thing we are called to do, there are always things we can do to get started, so that when the time comes, we are ready for it.
What are you sitting on today? Are you supposed to share the message of salvation with a friend at work and you’re not quite sure how to do that? Do you feel called to help fund a foreign missions ministry but your personal finances are limited? Maybe you feel called to write a book and the thought of it seems overwhelming. Here’s the great news: no matter what it is, if God called you to do something, that means He also designed you with the ability to do it. Sometimes, all we need to do is start where we are, no matter how small or insignificant the start might seem. Learn how to share the plan of salvation from an elder, give $2.00 to outreach if that’s all you have, read articles or watch you-tube videos on how others got started writing books. Hey, my start was googling. It can’t get any more elementary than that!
I want you to be encouraged that there is always a place to start, just like I did when I sat down to write today. I didn’t know where it was going to end up or what message God had for us, but if I never would have started, we never would have found out. Somebody needs what you have, so get started!
Scriptures
“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5 (ESV)
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace ...” 1 Peter 4:1)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:21
Prayer:
Lord, I ask that you help me get past any fear or intimidation that would keep me from starting the thing I feel I am supposed to do. Your word tells me to be a good steward and to use the gifts you have placed inside of me to help others. Today I make the choice to start, even if it’s a small start, because You have equipped me for every good work.
Comments