Procrastination...

Procrastination

Many of us have a problem with putting things off that we probably should take care of, and I am one of those people. Over the years and through self-reflection, I have identified various reasons why I put things to the side and wait. My husband and I share one reason, we are not quite sure how to go about accomplishing the task. We know what needs to be done. We want to get the task done, but we just don't know how to start. We are also not sure we will end up making it worse in the end. I can see this in him and also within myself. It never fails, once we finally get started with the task, we find either it wasn't as bad as we thought, it works out, or we do mess it up and have to start over. Whatever the outcome, in the end, we are glad the task was completed and behind us.

Another reason for me is the hardest reason, the task is painful. I know what I need to do, but it will not be pleasant. The task will be painful, bring sorrow, or be unpleasant, uncomfortable or maybe even contentious. This is harder for me than the first reason mentioned above. For this reason, I find myself running. I feel God's voice urging me to go see someone and I can think of a thousand reasons why I don't need to go. I can feel God's voice asking me to talk with someone, and I avoid being alone with the person so that I can't talk about what needs to be discussed. I look for those excuses and I welcome them. This is a part of me that God is working through. A part of me that God is still developing, growing, and strengthening. James 4:17 says, "For him who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, to him it is sin." When we fail to do what God is calling us to do for any reason and procrastinate, we are sinning against God. I am sinning against God. Hebrews 12:11 says, "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." I am learning that yes, for the moment it will be painful, uncomfortable, and sometimes bring sorrow. But, and I say again, But God, brings that peace to those who yield to his calling.

We don't know how much time we have to accomplish the tasks God gives us. In Psalms 39:4-5, the author asks God to give him a glimpse of when his time will end. If we knew how much time we had, we could plan the tasks to ensure everything would be accomplished. Every task is completed according to His directions. But we don't! We don't know how much time we have to do what God asks of us. “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah" We do know that life is fleeting. Our breath will cease and we will be with Him in Heaven. I have said before and I will say again and again. I want to stand before God and hear those words, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21. You see, we all have those areas in which we have to grow and develop. We all have those reasons we put off doing what God wants us to do. For me, I will continue to understand this, and when God calls me to do a task that requires painful procrastination I will trust God and I will GO!