What are you putting off?

The lifeteam I’m a part of was gathered around my pastor’s kitchen table Sunday evening like we do each week. This evening though we all took turns sharing about our younger years mixed with faith.

At my turn, I confessed that I literally remember thinking (while I was a teenager) ‘yeah I believe in God, without a doubt, but right now I’m just living life a bit on the wild side and probably when I’m older (like late thirties) I’ll settle down and get real about my faith’.

That was seriously my thoughts as a teen.

Boy how naive!!

I’m thankful God grabbed my attention much earlier than what I had plans for. In my mid to late twenties I finally began to realize there was more to life than ‘Alicia’s world’ and thanks be to Him there’s been no turning back!!

In the past I’ve written about my daughter, McKenzie, with her celiac disease. And real quick if you’re not familiar with celiac disease it’s when your body can’t digest gluten which is found in wheat products. Now that she’s been diagnosed for nearly two years we’ve been careful to watch her diet, keeping it free from gluten.

To add to the restrictions, Mc is an extremely picky eater. She didn’t come by her nickname ‘Picky Micky’ by accident. This girl of mine has pretty slim food preferences and ever since she became gluten free we couldn’t get her to try gluten free bread!!

That is until a few months ago.

She finally caved to bread when I convinced her that a gluten-free grilled cheese sandwich is hands down a mouth watering comfort food that’ll surely hit the spot especially when you dunk it into a steamy bowl of homemade savory tomato soup!!

Now if she had her way that’d probably be her only lunch choice!

Isn’t it interesting how we tend to put things off — things that have the potential to be of or for our benefit?

It may seem a far stretch to compare Mc’s situation to me putting my faith off but it goes to show how widespread this idea can be.

Maybe you can relate…maybe you’ve been putting off a new hobby you’d like to check out, or neglecting to mend a broken friendship, perhaps you’ve been continually postponing a trip to the doctor for fear what the prognosis might be…your hang up could be addiction (of any form) and you just can’t break-free yet you so desperately desire to…or maybe you’re like I was with my faith as a teen…

NONE of us are getting any younger. Not one of us. And there’s ALWAYS good to be sought, we just have to be compliant to nurture hints of positive feelings.

Check out Ephesians 5:15-17 with me:

‘Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.’

Good words, right?

God’s word shows us to use opportunities and time wisely.

Pushing my faith off as a teen was one of my most ignorant choices. Gratefully God had a plan much better than mine as He does for all of us.

I’ve come along far in my faith but will most certainly always have space to grow. Something I’d like to get better at is sharing my faith with others in person, not just through my words in a blog.

What about you — is there something in your life, something pulling at your heart in an immutable way that you just haven’t been courageous enough to explore but you have a probing interest to?

We must be willing to step into God’s will, for His purpose… Brave enough to try something new… Bold enough to ask for direction and encouragement… Blatant enough to tell others about it…

When I spoke up last Sunday in Lifeteam, opening up about my past faith and even some of my current strengths and struggles, it felt natural and right, there was nothing to lose. I wasn’t at risk of ‘putting off’ a good thing. It was a feeling of accomplishment where relationships have a chance to grow.

Sweet friends, I just want to encourage you in whatever it is you might be putting off — waste time no longer, seek out God and His ways and simply go for it with His lead.

Teach us to number our days, that we gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

25 thoughts on “What are you putting off?”

  1. Amen Alicia! We are never to young or, in my case, to old, to step out in faith. I need reminders along the way that God is ALWAYS with me and because of that if I am in His will, I have nothing to fear, especially of new things. Thanks for today’s reminder and btw, Betsy loves grilled cheese and tomato soup!
    Blessings,
    Pastor Chuck

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    1. ❤️ahh it is yummy!!
      Yes so important to not fear trying something new so long as it’s inline with God’s will!! In my case I wish I’d have come to Christ sooner but I’m thankful that I finally did regardless!!

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      1. Yes Alicia and remember, God’s timing is perfect. So whatever your life was up to accepting His salvation has helped to shape you into His child today!
        Hopefully ‘see’ you tomorrow,
        Pastor Chuck

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  3. This is such a thought provoking post! I am so glad God runs after us to bring us closer to Him, in spite of our stubborn ways. But you are right, this concept could cover so many things that we are putting off. May we cling to Him as we seek our next steps in the journey. ❤️

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    1. Ahhh I’m glad you get it because I felt like I was a bit all over the place with my thoughts on this post but yes the point is we don’t put things off and especially when it comes to faith!!

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  4. Living with Celiacs for me has meant watching out for anything that has wheat, barley or rye in it.
    It would be wonderful to sit down and enjoy a gluten free grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup with you and your family.

    Your post is a good reminder to redeem the time we are given and make the most of it. 🙂

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    1. Ya I definitely do the same…I’m still putting off letting my 15 year old use a school permit to drive to school because of my fear, she’ll probably be eighteen and the only senior riding the bus to school🤦‍♀️

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      1. Haha!! Mine will turn 14 this year and already she’s asking if I’ll take her to practice driving. I’m glad she wants to be independent but inside I’m screaming “NOOOOO! You will NEVER drive!!” hahaha!!

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  8. Pingback: What are you putting off? — For His Purpose – QuietMomentsWithGod

  10. Alicia, this is a great illustration about making the most of every opportunity while it is today. I can look at my life and see how there were things I put off out of fear, anxiety, and simple procrastination. Once I moved ahead, there was often joy (like your daughter enjoying grilled cheese) and I ruminate, “Why did I wait so long?”

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