Accept The Help

Grace & Goals, Day 2 of 30

Today's Readings: Romans 4: 4-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Hebrews 4:14-16
 
But if you see that the job is too big for you, that it's something only God can do, and you trust Him to do it - you could never do it for yourself no matter how hard and long you worked - well, that trusting-him-to-do-it is what gets you set right with God, by God.
Romans 4:4-5 The Message
 
Brilliant sun streaming through the windows, sunglasses in place, I slip the truck into gear, eagerly awaiting the engine's deep rumble, and jostle of the truck-suspension.
 
Nothing.

I press my foot onto the accelerator a bit harder and while the rumble increases, the truck doesn't move. Dang it! I've only shifted into neutral. Red-faced, I slip it one more gear and off I go.
 
Weeks one and two of any habit change can feel a bit like that. Foot on the accelerator, we're ready to rumble, pumped for the results and the feeling of satisfaction, yet we can't seem to get out of neutral. Our choices, while maybe a bit better, aren't on par with our dreams yet. It seems that accepting grace and allowing it to work in our lives can be a process, not a magic moment.
 
In the beginning of your challenge, use your notebook to track EVERY win. Every good choice. In our house, we love a good list - with boxes to check off. Checking off goals broken down into smaller pieces will feed that need to experience progress and movement. Each time you make a positive choice - thank God for His grace and the Holy Spirit's blessing. Each time you find yourself back in old habits, say yesterday's prayer over yourself, and read through today's verses again. Change in our hearts and habits is the result of grace given by God. Healing and release from unhealthy behaviors and choices comes from God. Freedom comes from the Spirit of the Lord.
 
"...the job is too big for you, something only God can do..."
 
Before you try to tackle your day today, take your foot off the accelerator and spend time with your Father, receive the mercy He offers, take Him up on His offer of grace and help. Naturally then, you'll shift into the forward movement you desire. 

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