Transformational Thought
When I first started Lighthouse Network, I had a clear goal that it would become the nationally recognized source for behavioral health expertise, developed to help people become Lighthouses shining God’s glory while standing strong in life’s storms. My vision of the tactical path to get to that goal was less clear, and I asked God to show me the path. But at the same time, many opportunities, directions, and possibilities came my way. I prayerfully pursued a lot of them, not knowing which ones would pan out as I tried to get the ministry off the ground financially and logistically, while remaining open to God’s miraculous ways and out-of-the-box methods and opportunities.
Sometimes, I amazed myself by how much I accomplished in a day. In fact, I would get on a roll for several weeks, thinking, “I’m on fire.” Then a month later, I’d look back and realize much of that activity was wasted because no lasting results came from some of those frantic startup efforts.
Efficiency makes life so much easier. If only we knew now how the future would play out, we would know exactly where – or where not – to invest our time and energy today.
The big question is, “How can we know the future? What’s the secret to high efficiency … so we won’t waste effort … but maximize our God-given potential?” Answer: Spend time with God and ask Him to show You His will and especially His timeline. He will give you rest and He will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body, and spirit. The path before you will become clearer and will open up. When you follow His direction, you will save great amounts of time and energy, ultimately doing less but accomplishing so much more.
Lighthouse Network has grown exponentially during the last four years because I have become better at practicing and implementing this very principle. In the beginning I would ask myself the questions and try to solve them myself, not wanting to “burden” God with trivial matters. Now, it is amazing how God brings answers before I ask the questions.
Today, take some honest inventory regarding your recent activities. Are you in line with God’s goals and timeline? Or are you working hard but going on detours and hitting dead ends? Realizing that He knows where He wants me is a great reminder and comfort to me. Take off the conforming lenses of this world, step outside of yourself, and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see with those lenses? What future does He have for you? What fears or concerns get in the way of pursuing His future for you? Weigh that fear against the angst of not pursuing His will for you. This realization was a major turning point in my life. I think it will affect yours as well. Whether you continue to take an efficient direct route and easily get to your goals, or you get tempted by the shortcuts and run farther while never getting to your goal is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. I spin in circles as my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You. Help me use them wisely, my Lord. Draw me closer to You … so I may know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me … so I can do it well and please You. I pray this in the name of my ultimate model and guide, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. Exodus 33:14
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10