Discipline is a struggle. At least for me it is. I wanted God to speak something into my heart to really focus on this year, and He definitely did. He spoke the word “Discipline” into my heart.
I knew right away that this was the word I really needed. It’s a word that I struggle with, and as we know, God likes to help us work right through our struggles. He wants us to get down to the heart of the matter and come out on the other end, more dependent and faithful to him. This is the word I know will change me. In all the right ways.
Rough Start
Like I said before, the word “discipline” is hard for me. Not because I don’t think it’s important. Not because it’s not effective. It’s just the opposite.
I know that discipline is an essential part of life, especially life as a follower of God. We aren’t called to an easy, care-free life, void of struggles and hardships. In fact, we’re called to a life that will be bumpy, dirty and laden with lots of sharp and jagged turns.
Too often I let excuses and fear get in the way of what I’m called to. The start of this new year hasn’t been any different. God has placed a very specific word on my heart, and so far I’ve been afraid to even put it into practice.
Slow and Steady
As a laid-back, easy-going individual I can tell you that “discipline” is not a strong asset of mine. I’m not naturally prompt or a perfectionist. I’m actually way too fine with things being “good enough.” God, however, is not okay with me being or doing things “good enough.” He expects more from me, and instead wants me to give it my all. Especially to the things He’s called me to do.
I know I won’t wake up tomorrow and suddenly be extremely disciplined. It’s a principal I need to work on. Little by little, and with a whole lot of faith and dependence on God, discipline will start to take root in my life. God’s just asking me to start. Not be perfect.
“So then, it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy.” -Romans 9:16 CSB
Dissolve the Fear
Fear is such a crippling thing. It holds us back from doing the things God calls us to. It keeps us from stepping out in faith and becoming who we’re created to be.
So far fear has kept me from experiencing many of God’s blessings and has left me feeling inadequate, drained and unqualified. Those are not feelings God ever wants us to experience. Instead, He’s calling us to a life of contentment, fulfillment and persistent endurance to get through the brokeness.
Discipline cannot succeed in my life if I allow fear to take over. Nothing will change for the better if I continue holding myself back from God’s promptings. I can’t let the fear of the unknown put a roadblock in front of me. I need to step out in full trust and know that God will always provide what I need.
Don’t Look Back
I’m tired of being mediocre when I know God has called me to be so much more than that. God didn’t design me to be a follower. He created me with a mind and heart to inspire and help others draw closer to Him.
Discipline is a tough principal to set in place. It’s even harder to maintain throughout our lives. God, however, will give us the strength and endurance to ignite it and keep it going.
“May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.” -2 Thessalonians 3:5
I know now that the word “discipline” wasn’t spoken to me just to make me more prompt and structured in my life. It was given to me as a way to make me more dependent on God. Discipline is not something I can put into place with my own strength and will. I fully need God’s power working within me.
All God wants from me is to put my faith and trust in Him. He’s showing me that life without those, is a life unfulfilled. It’s a life not worth living. My next step is to simply take a step. Step out in faith and don’t look back.
Follow By Example
We usually hear people tell us to “lead by example,” but I think God is calling us to “follow by example.” The example He gives us all throughout Scripture. Jesus is the ultimate example we have to follow after.
If I want to instill better discipline in all areas of my life, I need to turn to the Word of God. The answers are written across the pages of Scripture. The Lord tells us exactly what we need to hear; we just have to ask Him to speak to us.
Jesus was incredibly disciplined. In love, in perseverance through trials, in sharing truth and especially in pointing others to God. If I want to truly take hold of the word “discipline” that God so clearly spoke to me, I need to start with Jesus and follow His perfect example.
“For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” -1 Peter 2:21 CSB
Start Now
Because I lack natural discipline, starting is always the hardest for me. I know what I need to do and how I need to do it. I just seem to freeze up at the starting gate.
God is already all over that. He’s whispering to me, and you, to just take a step. One simple step. Just one at a time. There’s no rush.
It’s not about how fast we go or how much momentum we gain at the beginning. It’s about the journey and taking those little steps to keep us moving forward. Let’s focus more on Him and less on what we want to accomplish.
I guarantee that when we let go of the reins and allow God to take hold, we’ll start moving towards our goal without even realizing it.
Here’s what I need to do to start (and maybe you do too):
- Daily Prayer and Communication with God – Ask Him each day to direct our steps
- Abundant Faith – Even when we’re discouraged and unmotivated (and we will be frequently), have faith in Him. He’s got our lives in His hands.
- Endurance – The more we trust and put our faith in Him, the more our endurance will build up. We’ll slowly and steadily improve and grow stronger.
- Hope – Our hope comes from God and the promises He gives us. Let’s stay focused on that and not our imperfections.
Discipline is Trusting His Lead
Don’t lose sight of what God is calling you to. Maybe “discipline” isn’t the word God is speaking to you, but I know He’s speaking something over you. Whatever it may be, it’s a way for you to grow stronger and closer to the Lord. Always stay focused on Him, above anything else, and allow Him to take the lead.
Thanks for stopping by Grounds & Grace and taking time to read my post. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear what God is speaking to you this year.
Also, please feel free to share if you enjoyed it! I appreciate you. 🙂
Lureta
Discipline is an amazing word…a word I at times have difficulty with. I certainly can identify with God wanting me to give my all. I definitely do not want to lose sight of what he has in store for me. I also understand my needing to take action in order to position my self appropriately.
groundsandgrace.com
Totally agree! I love how you worded that…”take action in order to position myself appropriately.” So true! Thanks for sharing that! 🙂
Michelle
Love this! My word for this year is Abide and I definitely need discipline to help abide in Christ!
groundsandgrace.com
Abide is such a great word! I love how our words go hand in hand. I hope you have growth and success with your word this year. 🙂