Decide what kind of life you actually want and then say “no” to everything that isn’t that”.(Dr Caroline Leaf)
It sounds so simple but perhaps we often complicate things when we don’t need to, especially when we can seek God and His Word for what sort of life He wants for us and then filter everything we think, feel and do through those guidelines and promises.
The bible says, “Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint”. (Prov 29:18 NIV) Or another translation of this verse says, “Where there is no clear prophetic vision people quickly wander astray. But when you follow the revelation of the word, heaven’s bliss fills your soul”. (Proverbs 29:18 TPT)
The life God wants for us is one where no matter how many successes we may have experienced or alternatively the loss, abuse or disappointment we may have suffered, God desires to restore and renew in some way whatever we’ve had stolen or lost and to bring exceedingly more blessing and increase into our lives.
However the decision is ours as to whether we take the time to look into God’s Word and wait upon Him to speak and bring revelation as to the life He has uniquely planned for us, or whether we muddle along relying primarily on just our own ability and intellect. I say it a lot, but we can trust God in that whatever He has in store for us is good because He is good, and He will always exceed and do immeasurably more in and through our lives than we could ever ask, think, dream, pray for or possibly imagine on our own. (Ephesian 3:20) He promises to work all things out for our good, make seemingly impossible situations turn around in our favour, pour out His blessings and give us purpose, peace, joy and fulfilment in life.
Once we see what is possible when God is given the “drivers’ seat” of our lives (rather than a forgotten about passenger), it is up to us what we choose. Whether we choose God’s way of doing things on a daily basis, tapping into His supernatural, transforming power or we remain content with what we can make happen in our own strength and wisdom.
I encourage you to seek God out today and discover and choose wisely what sort of life you want; then begin and continue to walk that life out saying “NO” to everything and everyone that doesn’t look like what God has placed in your heart and instructed and promised in His Word for your life.
“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power energises you.” (Ephesians 3:20 TPT)
“Now fear the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly…but if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.”(Joshua 24:14-15 NIV)
Prayer: Lord I’m asking for you to speak to me today from your Word and to reveal to me your plan and purposes for my life. Show me what kind of life you have for me and then please give me the strength and wisdom to say NO to anything that doesn’t look like that today. In Jesus name Amen.