So many want to do a GREAT thing for God, but God is looking to do GREAT work in us first. Often this work happens in the details of life, the seemingly mundane can be an opportunity to release the greatness of God. How does greatness happen? Through consistent steps of obedience. One step in front of the other with our eyes on Jesus.
We can take a step back and ask “How did things get this way” – we mutter….by Habits. “How can I change what is going on?” by Habits. “Why do the same things still happen this way?” by Habits. Habits. Habits – they MAKE or BREAK us. A series of simple voluntary actions that eventually become involuntary.
We may not “think” about brushing our teeth or putting our socks on in the morning – we have been doing it all of our lives. Motion can be characterized as a series of habits strung together. The direction is determined by what we value and allowable influences. Our values shape us spiritually, socially and economically and what we believe builds our lifestyles. Good habits add to our life, destructive habits steal the life out of us.
How are the good habits formed?
Sometimes we know what we need to do but are not motivated to do it. “I should do this or that” we may say..in these times stay in the present moment and do what your prompted to do NOW. We can be lost in the routine of something or how are we going to maintain this…God will show you when you take the step.
Nothing happens by accident – everything must be intentional. Intentional steps create a change of direction. If decisions are left up to feelings or chance failure is imminent. We have all seen the procrastinator in all of us, we can outmaneuver him through simple habits.
How habits are made:
- Education – What you believe and value.
- Thoughts – What revolves in your head.
- Observation – What you are looking at.
- Recognition – What is clear to you.
- Execution – Do what you can do. Start small.
I am amazed at the ability of a professional athlete. their precision and effectiveness are impressive. These superstars weren’t born this way – they were made. In a series of small decisions, they mastered the basics, and then in the game, their actions became reflexes. Their habits trained them to excel and under pressure, they fought through the difficulty.
Through our journey of faith, we experience the faithfulness of God. Putting Jesus first releases the power from on High.
Things we can do:
- Master the basics – Understand the need and DO what we KNOW.
- Memorize the rhythm – Develop a routine. Duplicatable actions.
- Manage expectations – Do what you CAN do.
- Mapping – Plan and prepare with the INFO you have. Ask questions!
Jesus did HUGE things with small people, just look at Zacchaeus. Miracles happened when the seemingly insignificant was surrendered to HIM – Zechariah 4:10. Little is much in the hand of God. Jesus asked Moses “what do you have in your hand?” in Exodus 4:2 that staff became the great excavator for the red sea. The Small act of obedience had tremendous consequences.
The devil is always trying to minimize Godly habits. He wants us to have a self-orientation that gratifies the here an now. Continue with what you have in front of you and meet God there. Don overcomplicate or underestimate what God has given you to do. In this habit, Jesus adds his greatness to lead you further.
Celebrate the wins – your moving closer to where you need to be. Small is the new BIG. Stay in the “driver’s seat” and don’t let allowable influences take you in a direction you don’t want to go. Every habit matters.
Jason is a graduate from Maryland Bible College and Seminary, and presently he leads the Pastoral Care Team of Greater Grace Church in Baltimore. Since age 16, Jason has been involved with mission work among the former Soviet-Bloc countries in Eastern Europe, as well as in Asia, and in the United States. While living in Ukraine, he helped church plant three new churches that continue to thrive today under trained nationals. He has also written five books and has his own podcast (tinyurl.com/IRpodcast)
all to the glory of God. Developing the habit of prayer, praise and reading the Word daily beginning to end, start again–that was a difficult on for me, even though I love God, it’s not the easiest to put Him first, we seem to always want the world to revolve around us. Small steps amen.
Yes I love these steps you said! Surrender and present yourself to the lord – he will fill you with the action and the strength to seek him!