Devotion: Why You Need to Just Do It

“You will never plow a field by turning it over in your mind.” ~Irish Proverb

I’m a muller. I like to think things through before I make a decision. I’m not abysmally slow, mind you. If I’m at a restaurant, and the waiter starts with the person to my right, I’ll have a decision for him by the time he gets back to me. I just want some time to consider my options before I make up my mind.

When the decision is weightier than what I’ll have for lunch, the mulling time does increase. It is safe to say I stew over an idea. I think about it from every angle before discussing it with a trusted friend who adds her perspective, which I proceed to consider. All the while, I’ve taken no action.

While some level of “thinking on it” is valuable in regard to decision making, at some point action is required. There’s a reason Nike’s Just Do It campaign took off like a house on fire. We all need a little heat beneath us to get going. My mom used to say, exasperated by my hesitation, “Do something, even if it’s wrong.” It wasn’t always motivating to be reminded that something I chose could be wrong, but there was wisdom in her words.

There’s an element of fear in making a decision. Life will go on if I regret choosing the brisket tacos, but what about regretting a decision I’ve made about my children’s education or where we’ll live? When the stakes are higher, I’m slower to make a move.

I must remember that it’s not up to me to create the perfect plan. God’s already done that. He is such a good guide and promises to work all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28). If I seek his wisdom and follow his direction, I can’t go wrong. I may rethink a decision after learning more, but if I do, I can trust that he will direct my steps back to the best path for me and my family.

Faith-filled people do things. Though it might be more comfortable to wait on moving forward until I feel it’s safe to proceed, this kind of practice requires no faith. If I am truly a person who puts her faith in a trustworthy God, then I can and should proceed in confidence.

Father, thank you for lovingly serving as our good guide. Teach us to seek your guidance and readily reach for your hand. Remind us that you are with us in all of our “what ifs,” and that you know what the next chapters of our lives will hold. Thank you for promising to be with us every step of the way and give us everything we need for life and godliness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

Reach for More

This week’s challenge is to step out in faith. Is there a decision you’ve been waiting to make or a plan you’ve yet to begin working on? I encourage you to lace up your shoes and Just Do It! And do so by seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. Remember how pleased God is when we walk out our faith. This week’s verse reminds us that it’s impossible to please him without faith. He loves it when we trust him with our plans and trust him with the outcome. The best part? It comes with a reward! He promises to reward us when we earnestly seek him. It’s likely not going to be a winning Powerball ticket, but you are assured of abiding peace of mind, and that is a gift we cannot purchase.

Dear friends, we can do this. Have courage, rest in his guidance, and know that faith, by nature, requires action. Taking a step forward is not only worth it to you, but pleasing to God.

Melinda Mattson will follow any sign that leads to the promise of vintage décor and repurposed treasures. As a wife and mom to two dear daughters, her home is filled with equal measures of sugar and spice. She loves kindness and Jesus and is glad they’re meant to come as a package deal. She aims to embrace both with equal fervor. Melinda blogs at www.melindamattson.com.