I was looking for a shortcut.

With our chapter’s 20th anniversary being 12 days away, I was looking for any shortcut to help me drop pounds really quickly. I knew this wasn’t a smart option or a plan that would guarantee long-term success, but for about one hour last night, I scoured the internet with a waiting credit card, ready to make some impulsive purchase online.

Beloved, that’s how we sometimes act when it comes to our faith.

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I’m not going to be before you long this afternoon. Today is the first day back to work following spring break and the countdown to the end of the school year has officially begun (all of my fellow educators know exactly what I mean!). As we wrestle with so many distractions and things around us, sometimes it just seems easier to “phone in” our faith and just get the shortcut version of God.

Instead of praying and fasting, we just do what we want and hope for the best.
Instead of attending Bible study, we just read the daily Bible verse on an app.
Instead of fellowshipping with others, we just text a Believer-friend here and there.

Ouch!
Did those seem too personal?
Maybe that’s because those were my own actions; things that I have literally done over the past four years. I’m not going to lie to you, God, or myself; the four years during and post Covid have truly made me want instant faith, without putting in the WORK.

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Beloved, on this beautiful eclipse-Monday, I want you to put in the work and truly show up for our God and your faith. Just like these 50 pounds that found me during Covid and have made my hips their home won’t magically disappear overnight, our relationship with God will not become solidified without some serious work. Let today be Day One, the day that we start the work that will lead to lasting change. We have to pray without ceasing. We have to physically, emotionally, and mentally show up for every situation. We have to engage with others and true foster relationships. We have to literally be the hands and feet of God here on earth!

Remember this, our objective is not to see immediate results today, but to make changes that will last a lifetime. Start today by just talking to someone new, reading a new devotional plan on the BIble app, or simply having a little talk with Jesus. Whatever you do, do WORK.

I want lasting change.
I want real change.
I want God’s change.

Be blessed.