There is a property down the road from us which has a large new home on it. What started out as a tiny little house on a 5-acre block that regularly resembled a swamp in wintertime, now has a large expansive home with a raised block, impressive entrance, a sealed driveway and grassy paddocks. Someone had a vision and desire and then dared to start building their dream property.
Life is like that house. We have thoughts, desires and dreams, but to see them come to pass we will have start somewhere. To take what we have and begin.
There’s something quietly powerful about starting. Activity breeds more activity. The new house down the road was built on what was swampy land, until a decision was made and truckloads of clean soil was brought in to construct a higher and more solid foundation for the new house to be built upon. Beginning the new build was laborious, messy and time consuming as truckload after truckload of soil was dumped on the block.
Every accomplishment starts with the decision to begin and to simply try. The expert in anything was once a beginner and our first steps often look like messy, wobbly “baby steps.” But the important thing to realise is that we don’t have to be great to start, we just have to start!
Some helpful tips to starting is to:
1. Think about and write down the steps you need to take to start so you can determine and plan a way forward. Break these steps into manageable actions so you don’t get stuck floundering with a dream that’s too big for you to grasp hold of.
2. Let go of past regret – If we hesitate to begin something new long enough we can fall into the trap of feeling like it’s simply too late to get started. Don’t get stuck in regret. Forgive yourself for any past mistakes and procrastinating. Studies reveal that forgiving ourselves for mistakes and procrastination is an essential step in effecting motivational change.
3. Ask God to clarify what’s in your heart and for Him to help you start. He gives strategies, strength and the power to make things happen.
Starting can often be the hardest part, but God says that He will empower and enable us to run our race, reach our goals and fulfil our dreams. He actually says He will work in us to accomplish far more than we can think, dream, ask or imagine when we are connected to Him. (Ephesians 3:20)
Do you have a dream or desire in your heart today? Write it down, ask God to clarify and empower you, forgive yourself for the past, pray often and then get going and start!
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)
Prayer: Lord please help me to start something today. I choose to let go of procrastination and the past, to make a plan and to start. In Jesus name amen.
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