What are You Giving Up for God?

It’s the most challenging question that I've had to ask myself so far in my online Bible study of What Happens When Women Say Yes to God with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  To be honest, I wanted to pick another question to address on my blog and in my life, but I decided to tackle this question head on and with an open heart.

Is there something God is asking you to give up?   What specific steps do you need to take to fulfill this obedience?

 

 

The answer to this thought-provoking question is yes, there is something the Lord is asking and has been asking me to give up and the answer is so simple.

Give me your time.

 

I know that spending time with God is one of the most, if not THE most important thing I can do as His child.  I know that it is in this sweet place that we will become closer and get to know one another as only a Father and daughter can, and yet I fail at giving Him my time as I should.

 

I want to give excuses for my behavior but to put it simply; I shouldn't have one to begin with.  But the reality is…I do make excuses.

 

You too, friend?

 

Lysa shares in her book the 5 Questions that you should ask yourself if you feel God is speaking to you:

 

 

When I first answered God’s call to begin writing again and enter into my ministry it was as if everything lined directly up to show me it was the path I should take.  Every song and sermon I heard was about using spiritual gifts and following God’s will for your life.  Every scripture lined up and things happened in my life that made me see God was pointing me in this direction.

 

And then I got comfortable.

 

I got comfortable with my prayer life and quit giving it as much time as I had before.  I was satisfied with posting 1-2 blogs a month and going through the motions in areas of my ministry.  After all, I felt I knew God’s call, I had answered it, and so I was sort of done right?  All I had to do was grow.

 

 

 

I became too comfortable with being comfortable in my relationship with God.

 

 

But where I was wrong was thinking answering the call was an endpoint.  Friends, it was just my beginning.  It is just YOUR beginning.  Growing in Christ is not simple.  It is hard.  It is beautiful.  It is trying at times and it takes full surrender to Him.  Growing is what I have been doing and I can tell you, the Lord is working in me.

 

He is taking me out of my comfort zone completely.  He is challenging me to write things I never thought I would write about.  I have prayed prayers I never thought I would pray.  I have been convicted to change things about myself and in my life in mighty ways.

 

The Lord desires time with us.

 

 

 

Wouldn't you know...every sermon I have heard recently has been about spending quality time with Lord.  God was speaking to me again, only this time He was asking more from me.  Is He asking more of you?

 

I have found that my new time with God is so special and it helps me face the day with a different perspective and love for others I probably wouldn't have otherwise.  I share that with you today because I want to be transparent and tell you that it’s not always easy.  There are days I want to roll over and hit the snooze (especially when my infant daughter has had a rough night!) and not get up early, that’s the human side of us we can’t get rid of, but when I do I am blessed by my time with Him.

 

Here are some steps I have found helpful:

 

1)     Set your alarm earlier than you actually need to get up in order to get quiet time in. 

 

In other words, if you know you want to get 30 minutes of time in with God each morning, then allow yourself enough time to do that and get ready before you start your day.  I try and allot enough time to hit the snooze at least twice, but that’s me.

 

2)      Get an accountability partner.

 

Do you have a friend or co-worker or spouse that can keep you accountable for having quiet time?

 

3)      Find a devotional or Bible study that works for you.

 

I have purchased many a Bible studies and many a devotional books and many have sat on my bookshelf for one reason or another.  Perhaps it just didn't match with that particular season in my life at the time, but I find myself pulling them out now and they are fitting perfectly for the season I am in. Find one that works for you and one that you are EXCITED about.  I personally recommend anything by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Beth Moore or Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  They are straightforward and to the point and they work…for me.

 

Have one you recommend?  I’d love to hear them!

 

4)     Give yourself grace.

 

You will not want to get up early some mornings.  You will not always want to listen to uplifting music.  You will not always memorize the scriptures you are supposed to for that week.

 

And it’s all okay. 

 

 

Just as you will offer yourself grace, so will the Lord.  Remember that He wants to spend time with us.  He wants our hearts free of obligation when we come to Him.

 

I know that my special time with the Lord is working in my life.  I am more confused than ever about what paths to take, my tolerance for worldly things is reaching an all-time low, and I find beauty and peace in the oddest places.  He is challenging me, but He’s equipping me for the challenges ahead.  That’s how I know He’s working in me; because I am no longer comfortable being comfortable with Him and our relationship.

 

 

What is God asking you to give up?  Do you have other steps for spending time with God you'd like to share?